Samuel Adler

Uv'shofar Gadol

Four Prayers from the High Holyday Liturgy.

I. Hayom Harat Olam (11908)
II. Ayl Melech Yoshayv (11909)
III. Uv'shofar Gadol (11910)
IV. Avinu Malkaynu Chanayno (11911)

Hinay Yom Hadin (Behold TheDay Of Judgement) is a suite of four choruses comprising settings of some of the most important prayers of the Jewish High Holyday Liturgy. These may be performed together or seperately in concert, or, if desired, at theappropriate Service in a Temple or Synagogue.

The holy season of the Jewish religious calender is unique because it does not celebrate a historical event nor any particular famous personage, but is set aside as a periodofself-examination and re-evaluation for each individual believer. Legend tells, on Rosh Hashana (the New Year) God opens the books which record all men's deeds and for ten days examines the course of every man's life during thepast year. On Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) the books are closed and each man's fate is sealed until the next year. This allegorical vision should inspire every individual to scrutinize his life and resolve to better himself. The Jew firmly believes that God wants the repentance of the sinner so that he may live; therefore he believes that by penitence, prayer and good deeds, God's judgement can be swayed in his favour and he be inscribed in 'the bookof life. '

The four prayers were commissioned by Hazzan Samuel Rosenbaum and the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El, Rochester, New York.

Uv'shofar Gadol is for SATB choir a cappella with Tenor soloist.