Judaean Exultations

Judaean Exultations is a poignant setting of the traditional Chanukah songs Ma'oz Tzur, Mi Y'malel, Blessings over the candles, and Sevivon, with a rousing finale of Chanukah, oh Chanukah! This authentic arrangement includes extended solos for euphonium, contrabassoon (or tuba), and clarinet, and features every section of the band prominently. Recurring war drums and horn calls evoke the Maccabean revolt of the second century B.C., whereafter the Judaeans, victorious, rededicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem by lighting a menorah. Chanukah celebrates this victory and the great miracle that happened when what appeared to be only a single day’s supply of oil lasted for eight nights. The eight nights of Chanukah coincide with the new moon phase of the lunar cycle, and so they are often the darkest nights of the year, making them fitting for a festival of candle light. The songs herein are all life-affirming reminders that even on the darkest of nights, there will be light. Detailed front matter includes the lyrics of each song in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, and further details about their significance in the celebration of Chanukah.