The third movement opens with the strings quoting another song that was arranged for Zefira: a Jewish folk song to which the singer set the poem Yeled li nitan ("A child is born unto me") by Shaul Tchernichovsky. This movement is completely different from the scherzo, and its continuous drama is heard through broad phrases and incredible orchestration. Moreover, the movement’s delicacy is especially felt towards the ending, with a slow and intimate part starting with the sounds of a single violin. It is joined by flutes and clarinets, all playing intertwined melodic lines with the accompaniment of harp and violins. After a soft ending, the Finale opens dramatically. Suddenly, the movement’s most prominent theme is heard: a fast and rhythmic theme resembling a light Horah dance. Ben-Haim incorporated the Horah in this rich and complex symphonic movement, a practice that was used by many European composers who combined folk music with classical forms. The Horah theme is heard many times throughout the movement, ultimately leading to the symphony’s vigorous ending. Noga Chelouche
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