Even a Fist Was Once an Open Palm
A tender vision of the possibility and promise of peace
Music: Elizabeth Alexander
Words: Yehuda Amichai
A powerful, multi-layered setting of Yehuda Amichai’s poetic meditation on peace after conflict, reminding us to return to the openness that makes trust possible.
“Several pieces stand out among those collected here, but Alexander’s setting of poet Yehuda Amichai’s Even a Fist was Once an Open Palm is particularly potent and makes one sit up and take notice.” David N. Lewis, All Music Guide
Details and Ordering Information
Excerpt from Anniversaries of War
Remember: even the departure to terrible battles
passes by gardens and windows
and children playing, a dog barking.
Remind the fallen fruit
of its leaves and branches,
remind the sharp thorns
how soft and green they were in springtime,
and do not forget,
even a fist
was once an open palm and fingers.
Poem by Yehuda Amichai
English translation by Barbara and Benjamin Harshav
© 1991 by Harper Perennial. From Even a Fist Was Once an Open Palm and Fingers. Reprinted by permission of Hana Amichai
Performers
Premiere: University of Minnesota Chamber Singers / Thomas Lancaster, conductor (Minneapolis, MN)
Portara / Jason Shelton (Nashville, TN)
Spiritus Chamber Choir / Janet Youngdahl (Calgary, Alberta, CANADA)
William Ferris Chorale / Carling Fitzsimmons (Chicago, IL)
