Tracks
Liner Notes
Will C. Macfarlane’s “Who Is Like Unto Thee?” (an English version of mi khamokha); C. Attenhofer’s “May the Words” (an English version of yih’yu l’ratzon, which in traditional services is said at the conclusion of the silently recited amida); and the v’sham’ru setting attributed to “Sparger-Dworzan” were all printed in the so-called Spicker-Sparger collection (see the biographical sketches of Max Spicker and William Sparger). Dworzan was not identified; his name appears on some obscure publications in Germany. This piece is a setting of an abbreviated text that first appeared in the preliminary, subsequently replaced 1892 edition of the Union Prayerbook that was authorized/compiled for the CCAR by Rabbi Isaac Moses of Milwaukee and Chicago.
Lyrics
S'U SH'ARIM
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts-he is the King of glory.
V'SHAM'RU
Sung in Hebrew
Spicker-Sparger I
Words: Sabbath liturgy (Exodus 31: 16-17; Union Prayer Book abbreviation)
The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, and observe it throughout all generations. It is a sign of an everlasting covenant, a bond between me and Israel forever.
MAY THE WORDS
Sung in English
Spicker-Sparger
Words: Union Prayer Book 1895
O may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight. O Lord—my strength, and my redeemer. Amen.
WHO IS LIKE UNTO THEE?
Sung in English
Spicker-Sparger I
Words: Union PRayer Book 1895 (adapted from mi khamokha, Hebrew liturgy)
Who is like unto Thee, O God, among the mighty? Who is like unto Thee? Glorious in holiness, glorious in holiness, extolled in praises, working wonders? God reigneth! God reigneth forever and ever.
Credits
Composer: C. AttenhoferComposer: Will Macfarlane
Composer: William Sparger
Composer: Max Spicker
Performers: Richard Botton, Cantor; Barbara Harbach, Organ; Michael Isaacson, Conductor; Rochester Singers; Carolina Chamber Chorale; Margery Dodds, Organ; Timothy Koch, Conductor
