Review

Various
Traditional Hanukah Songs:

Arranged by Micha Davis

Brass Quintet: 2 B-flat trumpets, F horn, trombone, tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

In the 2nd Century BCE, the Jewish Maccabeans revolted against the Hellenization of the Seleucid Empire. The rededication of the temple and the symbolic lighting of the Menorah became the inspiration for the Jewish holiday Hannukah. Through the centuries Hannukah celebrations have inspired the creation of many joyful songs. Micha Davis, bass trombonist of the Israel Philharmonic, has taken the best known of these and woven them into a medley for brass quintet.

The medley begins with a joyous, fanfare-like rendition of Mi Yimalel—"Who Can Retell.” The brass trade the melody in close imitation. “I Have a Menorah” follows. Now the horn has the melody above an active tuba line and a trombone countermelody. Trumpets interject rhythmic figures. “Thine Be the Glory” begins with a horn and trombone duet. The duet texture alternates between the trumpets and the horn and trombone before the section comes to a glorious climax with the entire quintet taking part. An evocative tuba melody introduces the next melody, “Rock of Ages,” featuring homophonic upper parts above and an active trombone line. The final song is perhaps the best known. “Hanukkah, Hanukkah” is a rousing, joyous holiday song. Here the trumpets have the melody above descending trombone and tuba ostinatos. The horn part features rapid sixteenth note motion.

This arrangement is suitable for advanced intermediate level quintets and above. The first trumpet part has one high c3 but remains mostly in the staff. The horn part requires a confident player. It carries the melody and contains several technically challenging moments. The low brass parts are active and interesting. Davis has done an excellent job of giving each player music that is both challenging and fulfilling. This medley will be an excellent addition to your holiday season repertoire.