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About the Composer
Carol Barnett
Carol Barnett (Beady Eyes)
Adonai, Adonai
An ancient prayer set to a plaintive, middle-eastern scale that can be sung
either in unison or as a canon.
Round for a cappella choir. Unison to 4-part performances possible
Often used for Jewish High Holy Days, this hauntingly modal canon is
appropriate year-round. Surprisingly fast to learn, this setting gives your choir a taste of an ancient sonic tradition that continues into the present.
“Adonai”, the name of God in Hebrew, is properly used only when recited as a prayer; in all other contexts, the word “Adoshem” is substituted. But this text is itself a prayer, whatever the context, and so there is a choice. If in doubt as to which word to
use, consult a local rabbi.
Composer’s Notes
“Adonai, Adonai” was written in 1979 for the B’nai Emet synagogue choir of St. Louis Park, MN; Steve Barnett, conductor. It is a simple canon in unison, at either one or two measures.
Text
God, the Lord our God,
is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in goodness and truth,
assuring love for a thousand generations,
forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin.
Pardon our iniquity and our sin,
and take us for Thine inheritance.
– Translation of Exodus 34:6-7, 9
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