Work
Sim Shalom : arranged for string quartet & voice from the song cycle 'Compassion'
by Lior and Nigel Westlake (2016)
Also known as: Grant Peace
Score
Sim Shalom (Grant Peace) : for string quartet and solo voice / Nigel Westlake, Lior Attar.
Library shelf no. 783.87542/WES 1 [Not for loan]
Work Overview
Arranged for string quartet & voice from Compassion,
a song cycle for voice & orchestra, composed by Nigel
Westlake & Lior Attar.
More than any of the texts used in "Compassion", 'Sim Shalom'
demonstrates that a literal translation is often inadequate in
conveying the depth and richness of these texts. An example can
be found in one of the stanzas relating to the vital virtues of
character - "chesed, tzedakah, u'vracha', v'rachamim", -
"charity, integrity and compassion".
The word "rachamim" can be quite simply translated as
"compassion". When uncovered however, this word has far richer
and deeper meaning, being a derivation of the Hebrew word for
'womb'. More importantly, a closely related word of the same
origin - 'Rachaman' - which can be translated as "the
Compassionate One", is one of the three names for God in the
Jewish religion.
Interestingly, the origin, meaning and use of "Rachaman" is
almost identical between the two worlds of Judaism and Islam.
Such is the centrality and esteem these two religions place on
the virtue of compassion, that it is in fact one of the names
given to God.
Work Details
Year: 2016
Instrumentation: 2 violins, viola, cello, solo tenor voice.
Duration: 8 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Commissioned by Julian Burnside for performance by Tinalley String Quartet, Lior.
Performances of this work
4 May 2016: at Through Nature to Eternity (Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall). Featuring Lior, Tinalley String Quartet.
2 May 2016: at Through Nature to Eternity (Sydney Opera House, Utzon Room). Featuring Lior, Tinalley String Quartet.
User reviews
Be the first to share your thoughts, opinions and insights about this work.
To post a comment please login.