A Kindling Flame

“Ashrei Hagafrur,” “Bakeleh,” and “Yesh Kochavim”

Composed by Samuel Rosner

Poetry by Hannah Szenes

Range

E4 - G5

Accompaniment characteristics

• "Ashrei Hagafrur" - Sparse, but supportive

• "Bakeleh" - Extremely dissonant

• "Yesh Kochavim" - Glistening 16th-note patterns and arpeggiations

Pedagogical challenges

• Frequently shifting modalities

• Use of the "Jewish Scale"

• Mild melismatic material

• Extreme dynamic shifts

• Vowel modification likely necessary on the highest pitches

• Balance of recitative-style and long, legato lines

  
  

Context

“Ashrei Hagafrur” is about someone who willingly sacrifices their life to save others. “Bakeleh” is the most evocative of Szenes’ texts in this set. The title means “Prison.” This song is a stark reflection of her fate shortly before her execution. “Yesh Kochavim” is about stars whose brightness light the world only after they have disintegrated.