Rhapsody Judaica: Four Sketches of Tradition is a musical retelling of the composer’s experiences growing up Jewish in southeast Michigan. Drawing on Jewish musical tradition in its many forms, each of the four sketches reflects both the broader tapestry of Jewish heritage and Gorman’s deeply personal relationship with it.
SABBATH
Sabbath paints the portrait of a rabbi delivering a sermon — a vessel for life’s most important lessons, offered in the cadence of storytelling. The solo tenor saxophone, and later solo horn, embody this tradition: a single voice calling out, answered antiphonally by the ensemble’s quiet “amen.”
“My childhood rabbi, Norman Roman, had a very distinctive, deep, bassy voice, and spoke with a sing-songy cadence when he delivered his sermons. It always felt like he knew exactly what we needed to hear that week, despite his sermons being notoriously long.”
MOURNING
Yahrzeit is the practice of observing the anniversary of a loved one’s death — marked by the lighting of a candle designed to burn for a full day, its flame representing the soul, enduring light, and the fragility of life itself. A lone clarinet sings a soulful prayer reminiscent of the Mourner’s Kaddish as the ensemble quietly prepares for what is to come.
“Lighting yahrzeit candles is a task I find quite important, but emotionally difficult. I recall even when I was young being reminded that, as much as mourning brings sadness, it is also a celebration of life.”
SONG
Inspired by the summer camp experience so deeply woven into the fabric of American Jewish life, Song carries listeners on a journey through the warmth of campfire melodies, led by the saxophones and trumpets.
“I remember my several years at Tamarack as both a camper and later as a music specialist quite fondly. The songs and the overall camp experience helped shape the person I am today.”
CELEBRATION
It’s time to celebrate. Celebration draws on the musical spirit of the Hora — the traditional Jewish circle dance performed at b’nai mitzvot and weddings alike — announced by an energetic marimba and timpani duet before the upper woodwinds ignite the full ensemble. The dance builds with mounting joy and abandon before pausing to reflect, as a solo horn leads the ensemble through the Shehecheyanu, a blessing recited on occasions of special significance. With the blessing complete, the full ensemble reunites for one final, triumphant chorus.
“I look back fondly at my bar mitzvah and forward with elation to my wedding — spending time singing and dancing with my loved ones and just…having the time of my life!”
Rhapsody Judaica is more than a collection of memories; it is a celebration of a living tradition. Through these four sketches, I hope to share the warmth, the solemnity, and the inextinguishable joy that defines the Jewish experience — not only for me, but for generations past and future. This work is dedicated to the teachers, family members, and community leaders who provided the soundtrack to my youth. Thank you for listening, and for joining me in this celebration of tradition.
