Violine (Tikkun)

The Hebrew word 'Tikkun' is an important term in Jewish tradition - it can be translated also in terms of 'repair' or 'restoration'. The term 'Tikkun Olam' is well known and means the efforts of Mankind to effect improvement of the imperfect world in which we live. Tikkun can however also mean a free reflection or consideration of various matters, especially a joint study session with dialogue. At the Festival of Weeks (Shavuot) it is a tradition to spend the entire night in studying, reflection and conversation with people (a 'Tikkun Leyl Shavuot'). It is this which has inspired the piece 'Tikkun', commissioned by Liv Migdal and Matan Goldstein and dedicated to these two musicians. The violin initially takes up the ancient melody used for the cantillation of the Book of Ruth, a biblical text which is traditionally read on Shavuot. A number of widening musical reflections now moves out from this, within which Jewish melodies from both the Orient and the Occident are heard together. The form is open, often almost improvised - what comes through is a form of dialogue between the Violin and the Cajon. In this way a musical landscape develops between introspection, the desire for expression, rhythm and melody, a meeting point between various traditional forms and a more modern, open perspective. There is even an optional 'Ping-Pong Intermezzo' incorporated into the piece! 

Duration: 25 minutes.