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Composer’s Note

The concept of the Makhzor, the "cycle", is not merely a liturgical designation for a prayer book; it is the fundamental rhythm of Jewish existence. To live within the Jewish calendar is to exist in a state of perpetual return. We move through seasons of deep introspection, explosive joy, existential struggle, and collective memory, only to arrive back at the beginning, transformed by the journey we have just completed.

 

The structural foundation of this work was suggested to me by my wife, who saw the potential for the Jewish calendar to serve as a compositional bridge. By grounding this composition in the universal cycle of our holidays, the music could speak to the breadth of the Jewish experience. This music would resonate with every Jewish individual, regardless of where they were born, their individual path, or their level of religious observance.

 

Makhzorim: Jewish Cycles is designed to capture a concept in Judaism that time is a “spiral.” The work is unified by a recurring spiral motif, a melodic thread that appears then weaves itself through the entire composition. Much like the experiences of Jewish history, this motif remains constant, yet its presentation shifts to reflect the unique emotional and spiritual topography of each holiday it represents.

 

In constructing this work, I have drawn heavily from nusakhim, the traditional melodies anchored in Jewish prayer for centuries. By weaving these ancient musical markers into a contemporary work for string quartet, I hope to bridge the gap between our rich history and our own modern reality. Ultimately, Makhzorim: Jewish Cycles is a testament to people who have faced repeated cycles of darkness, and constant renewal. The work concludes with a tekiyah gedolah, a blast from a ram’s horn, synthesized by the quartet, welcoming another New Year.  Read full program notes here.