Six Bible Poems: - 6. Hear, O Israel (Old Hebrew Chorale)

6. - Hear, O Israel (Old Hebrew Chorale) (St. Mark xii, 29)


Of the Sixth Poem, the composer writes: In many of His polemics, Jesus quoted the Old Testament. In St, Mark xii, the Evangelist quotes Jesus: "And Jesus answered him: 'The first of all commandments is: Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.' " (Deuteronomy vi, 4.)


So, with these most ancient words, we come to the end of this "suite". This movement, or as Weinberger calls it, an "Old Hebrew Chorale", uses the melody of the High Holyday Sh'ma. It appears three times, first played on the Solo Tromba (under expression), than on the Choir Trumpet (with other things coupled in) and finally on the big Solo Tuba. This is again very orchestrally conceived. Listen for the parallel ninth chords which appear twice, and played on the "solo brass".

Despite the dark and impending minor tonality of the piece, the work ends in a thunderous C major, but only in the "lower range" of the instrument.

While these six works made sound like throw aways to some, and many can question the "wisdom" of putting all this effort into such short and un-organlike works, I'm really glad to have learned and done these pieces.

I am especially "grateful" to Annie M. Hainsworth for having purchased these pieces WAY back in 1939, and having taken such good care of the score. It is impossible to find any of Weinberger's organ works, and I am proud to have had the chance to prepare these for your enjoyment.

Please remember me in your prayers.