Unetanneh Tokef is a liturgical poem (piyyut) leading
to the Kedusha of Rosh Hashanah and the Yom Kippur
Musaf service. One of the most central moments of the
High Holidays, it emphasizes the awe individuals have
for the almighty on the day of judgement. Although
God is described as judge, in this section of the
prayer, the imagery shifts to God as a shepherd. The
melody illustrates the sounds of a shepherd by using
a pentatonic (five-tone) scale, which provokes exotic
images of nature and the countryside.
The piece opens with a freestyle recitative,
transitioning into a slow, contemplative triplemeter
tune. Although this medieval text and its
musical setting originated in Europe, it has spread
to communities across the Jewish world.
[On the life and musical style of Sholomo Carlebach: See notes for Return Again]
lyrics
As a shepherd examines the flock,
making each sheep pass under the staff,
so You will review and number and count,
Judging each living being,
Determining the fate
Of everything in creation,
Inscribing their destiny.
[Repetition of Musaf for High Holidays, from
Unetane Tokef, attributed to Rabbi Amnon of
Mainz, 11th century, Germany]
Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue SynagogueNew York, New York
Cantor Azi Schwartz is the Senior Cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, and is a world-renowned vocal performer and
recording artist whose music reaches Jewish and interfaith audiences internationally.
Azi has performed at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden; on PBS and on Richard Gere’s movie 'Norman'; and for Pope Francis.
He has released nine albums of Jewish liturgical music....more
Modular synths sparkle amidst piano, vibes, and other organic instruments stringing together constellations of sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2023