The text, the 137th psalm from the Book of Psalms,
expresses mourning at the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the Jews,
as well an extreme (by modern standards) desire for vengeance. But most
importantly, this psalm asks that we remember Jerusalem and the Temple's
destruction even when we are content, even in our happiest moments. This last
message of the psalm is reflected in its use in contemporary Judaism: a verse
of the psalm is recited at weddings before the bridegroom crushes a glass (a ritual
which also recalls the destruction of the Temple); and the psalm is often
recited as part of prayers after meals, to recall the destruction of the Temple
even at a time when our bodies are full and content.
In this setting, I have
tried to reconcile liturgical musical styles with contemporary art music. Many
of the melodies are based loosely on ancient Sephardic melodies for this psalm,
and portions of the piano accompaniment allude to harmonies and textures common
in American hymn settings. These allusions, though, are placed in the context
of a more abstract and dissonant musical style.
Special thanks to Rabbi Charles Sheer (Columbia University) and Cantor Daniel Marmorstein (Temple Bet Breira) for their assistance and support in writing this piece.