Text by Shahar Mario-Mordechai
Music by Lidor Ram Mesika
CounterBaritone: Lidor Ram Mesika
Oboe: Draymell J. Díaz Rodríguez
The piece won the 1st prize in the ‘Paul Ben-Haim’ Israeli Music Competition
Translation (from Hebrew):
Your shadow envelops my face,
And light dawns from the edge of the world, If I step into the light, your shadow comes and ravishes it;
Your shadow, a veil over my eyes.
You possess my entire being.
Yet, no taste of slumber touches my body; Your voice is unheard, a tormented soul:
“For the sake of his face, my face has turned.”
At the corners of the day, I slip away from your grasp once more:
If you turn right, I’ll turn left;
And if you turn left, I’ll turn right.
Suddenly, when my face returned to me, your voice resounds.
And there is no one to save,
It’s unbelievable.
This poem paints a vivid picture of someone grappling with an overpowering force, which can be seen as a metaphor for the effects of trauma or an abusive relationship. The interplay of light and shadow, the idea of being possessed without finding rest, and the notion of trying to break free from this intertwined destiny evoke complex emotions and a struggle for individuality. The inability to find rest, the unheard voice, and the torment expressed within the lines convey the deep-rooted anxiety and suffering endured. The imagery of escaping and turning in opposite directions signifies a yearning for freedom and autonomy. In the end, when the speaker’s face is reclaimed, and the voice resounds, the poem hints at a moment of self-realization, yet the absence of anyone to save underscores the challenging journey of recovery. It’s a powerful representation of the resilience and inner strength required to confront and overcome the shadows of trauma and anxiety.
Text: Noam Horev
Music: Lidor Ram Mesika
Performed by Nitzan Choir conducted by Ms. Vita Gurevich