Stern, Three Ancient Pieces

Max Stern
Three Ancient Pieces

for flute and guitar

The three movements of Three Ancient Pieces are based on recordings and transcriptions of oriental Jewish music from the collection of Dr. Uri Sharvit.

"Shepherd Song" is based upon a Yemenite Tune for Passover "Agil v'esmach," recast as a pastoral reflection on Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd."

"Parable," drawn from the improvisatory introduction to the Morroccan piyyut "Koli l'Tzuri," suggested a musical interpretation to the text "I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp" (Psalm 49:4).

"Birdsong" is based upon the Tunisian tune to the p[iyyut "Yotzer Miyado." Since the destruction of the Temple, the Shechina is like a wanderer with no permanent resting place, 'like a bird hovering lonely in space" (Kinot "Oholi", Eleazer Kalir).

Gr. 4