Hine Ma Tov

Program Notes

Psalm 133, Hine Ma Tov, in a non-liturgical translation, means; “Behold how good it is for brethren to dwell together in peace.” Though the text is in Hebrew, its meaning is universal, easily translated into any language, culture or religion.

Hine Ma Tov by Allan E. Naplan is written in the traditional Jewish Klezmer style.  This style incorporates the lively syncopated bounce feeling as well as the structured progression between major and minor modes.  The “lai, lai” (pronounced as to “tell a lie”) refrain is equivalent to English madrigal “fa, la, la.”  It is to be sung with great energy and spirit.

Due to its common appeal, Hine Ma Tov has been performed by parochial schools, Jewish day schools. secular public schools and civic children’s choirs.  Most notably, Hine Ma Tov was performed by the National Children’s Honors Choir (Dr. Janet Galvan  conductor) at the 1995 American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Washington, D.C.

About The Composer

Allan E. Naplan is a graduate of the Ithaca College School of Music with a degree in classical vocal performance and music education.  He is active as both a performer and composer of vocal literature.  His performance credits

range from opera, musical theatre and recital, to cantorial soloist work in traditional and classical pieces, as well as performances of his own compositions.

Mr. Naplan’s compositions include Solomon’s Love, a song cycle for male voice and chamber ensemble and Schlof Main Kind,  a Yiddish lullaby in remembrance of the Holocaust.  The latter will soon be entered into the music archives of the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

His awards include winning second prize in the distinguished Yo YoMa/Chinese Cultural Institute Young, Composers Contest and placing as a national finalist in the U.S. Commission of  Copyrights Composition Completion.