Shuvi, Shuvi Hashulamit

The composer says: "A substantial part of my music is based on free-flowing, melismatic vocal polyphony; I do not know where this language exactly comes from, but it has developed through the years into a very concrete musical world. My rendition of Shuvi, Shuvi Hashulamite from Solomon’s Canticle of Canticles certainly partakes of that world. Ever since I first read this extraordinary poetry, I’ve been struck by its intrinsic beauty and passion. Allegorical interpretations and cantorial traditional performances notwithstanding, I have chosen the very spirit of the poetry to be the guiding force in creating the composition. Although I have some rudimentary knowledge of the language, I had to pay special attention to the idiosyncrasies of the Biblical Hebrew. I would therefore like to thank my friend Nadav Eldar for his initial clarification of the text—as well as Joseph Urshalmi for his help. Finally, I am especially grateful to Matanya Ophee for his willingness to undertake the publishing of the song with so much enthusiasm, expertise and care."