Description
Laura Estes’ new arrangement of a popular Hanukkah song, “S’vivon” (Hebrew for “dreidel”), is perfect for holiday concerts or as a teaching piece focusing on accessible syncopation.
Program Notes
Who doesn’t like a good game of Dreidel on Chanukah?
Loved by children all over the world, a Dreidel is a four-sided spinning top. Known in Hebrew as a s’vivon, each side features a different Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimmel, Hey, and Shin, which represent the first letters of the words Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – “A Great Miracle Happened There.” One of my favorite Chanukah songs is “S’vivon,” sov, sov, sov, which translates to “Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.” With an upbeat tempo, toes will be tapping as students become familiar with this infectiously happy melody.
Scored in E minor, “S’vivon” is a perfect introduction to music that shifts between harmonic and natural minors. Used sparingly, D# is the only accidental in the piece. With a catchy melody and an engaging blend of syncopation throughout, students will feel an air of festivity while rehearsing “S’vivon.” The fun really begins halfway through the music when students get to be Percussionists with two different hand-clap rhythms occurring simultaneously! Especially loved will be the loud shout of “Sov!” in the final measure.
Written as a concert piece that is coincidentally associated with Chanukah, this arrangement of “S’vivon” brings the unmistakable joy of spinning Dreidels to everyone and creates an exhilarating learning environment at any time of year.
“S’vivon” lyrics with Hebrew transliteration:
S’vivon, sov, sov, sov
Chanukah, hu chag tov
Chanukah, hu chag tov
S’vivon, sov, sov, sov
Chag simcha hu la’am
Nes gadol haya sham
Nes gadol haya sham
Chag simcha hu la’am
