On the Path towards the Pools / Yoram Taharlev, Alona Tural, Chava Alberstein

Israeli mourning songs are a distinct thematic genre, which may be characterized by extreme melancholy and idealization of the innocent past as opposed to the bereaved present. Stylistically the sad content is counterpointed by beautiful melodies and eloquent lyrics. Such is this wonderful song, which has been on my mind lately (*). It is called 'On the Path towards the Pools' by Yoram Taharlev.

(*) I disdain from politics. However, I feel obliged to remark that my sorrow is not due to recent events of national significance. Foes of Israel should all drop dead before they make me sad — gladly the IDF is there to help them in this undertaking.

בשביל אל הבריכות פסעו שלובי ידים
וכוכבים נשרו למים עם הטל
ותן בודד צחק הרחק בתוך הליל
והיא אמרה: אתה כל כך יפה חיל

And on the path towards the pools they paced, entwined,
While stars have fallen in the water with the dew,
Amidst the dark, a distant jackal whined,
"You're so fair" — she said — "my soldier, look at you!"

(Tr. mine. I hope to complete it one day)

Note the scat refrain between the verses - generally scat is not very typical of Israeli music; it was probably added to add spice to the verses that are otherwise very even. The refrain between the penultimate verse and the final one is more elaborate than the rest. It is longer - with a change of scales (note the emotional coloring of this section!) - and an instrumental counterpoint to the scat. Overall, the base is very prominent in this performance and gives creates a sense of a rapid and irreversible procession of events (cf. for instance with the contemporary "Flowers in the muzzle" - "פרחים בקנה").

The Hebrew lyrics are precise and meaningful - Yoram Taharlev is remarkable for his storytelling. The music and Chava Albertein's naïve recitation of the narrative reach straight into my heart —