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Symphony No. 2 (Independence Symphony)

Opus: 233 Year: 1950 
Ensemble
Solo Mezzo Soprano, Choir, Symphonic Orchestra: 2,2,eh,3,2asx,tsx,2-4,3,3,1-timp+3-hp-str
DURATION
27:00 min
Category
Orchestral Music, Symphonic Orchestra
Tags
Baritone, Historic Event, Mezzo Soprano, Mixed Choir, Recording, Symphony
Theme
Historic Event, Israeli Theme

For Voice, Choir and Orchestra

A 1951 recording:
Naomi Zuri (Mezzo Soprano)
Marc Lavry (Conductor)
Kol Zion Lagola Choir (The Broadcasting Service Choir)
Kol Israel Symphony Orchestra (The Broadcasting Service Orchestra)

Lyrics: Avraham Broides, Avigdor Hame’iri

Manuscripts: Located at the National Library of Israel Music Department, the Marc Lavry Archive, System Number(s) 990036494840205171, 990035293270205171

Synopsis:
Dedicated to his wife Helena Lavry, this symphony is one of Lavry’s most “Israeli” compositions where he reaches a peak of his Israeli existence. It is a historical homage to the events of the establishment of the new state via music and lyrics.

Symphony No. 2 (Independence Symphony) consists of three movements:

  • Allegro: Depicts the optimistic and energetic mood of the establishment of the state.
  • Adagio: Based on Lavry’s song Ein Kiyerushalayim (Nothing like Jerusalem) and lyrics by Avaham Broides, the soloist and choir join the orchestra in this movement. The lyrical mood describes the calm beauty of the landscape. The movement ends with an oath to Jerusalem both verbally and musically.
  • Adagio: In this passionate movement one can actually hear the sounds of the Independence War. The movement ends with Lavry’s song Ts’ad Shimshon (March, Samson), lyrics by Avigdor Hame’iri, calling for the nation to never be victimized again and to take an oath of allegiance to Israel.