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This composition draws on the Arab scale hijaz, the same scale used in many Sephardic songs, although as the piece moves towards its climax it becomes increasingly dissonant and chromatic. Rhythmically it is based on an additive rhythm, 2+2+3+3. The piece falls into three sections. The first and third sections incorporate a long-breathed and melismatic melody that draws heavily on Sephardic scales. The highly dissonant and angular middle section has a more contemporary flavor, expressing the emotional nature of the text, which is by the composer.

The sun’s flaming torch scars my face

and hands;

the glass-hot sand sears my feet

 

one thought sustains –

you are there ahead,

oasis

 

Each day I bear the heat

brings me closer to you

 

Each note pulled from the

black spirals of my mind

is a stepping stone

Each imagined sound

a footstep

 

Each step may be the last –

and this is hope

 

But you do not know I come,

or that I come for you

 

and I will not tell

unless you ask

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