SPRING CALLS
for soprano and ensemble
 
A Vivid and Evocative Contemporary Vocal Chamber Setting of the Song of Songs
Spring Calls (2006) by Lior Navok is an 8-minute setting of Canticles 2:1–13 (Shir Hashirim), written for leggero soprano—who also plays small percussion—alongside flute, viola, cello, and harp. The work traces a woman's emotional and spiritual journey toward love, paralleling the awakening of spring. Blending modal, archaic colors with contemporary textures, the piece evokes echoes of ancient instruments such as the sistrum. Commissioned by Close Encounters With Music, it offers performers a vivid and evocative addition to the modern Hebrew vocal chamber repertoire for soprano ensemble.
 
Listen to the Recording and Find More Information Here
 
About the Music
Spring Calls is a setting of verses from Canticles 2:1–13 (The Song of Songs), composed for leggero soprano and a small ensemble. The work follows a woman’s journey through anticipation, awakening, and the discovery of love—a parallel to the blossoming of spring that lies at the heart of the biblical text. Blending modal, ancient‑sounding colors with contemporary clarity, the music evokes the atmosphere of early ritual instruments and timeless poetry. The soprano’s line, supported by flute, viola, cello, and harp, moves between intimacy and radiance, creating a lyrical meditation on renewal and desire. It is designed for professional sopranos and advanced conservatory‑level chamber ensembles, making it ideal for concerts featuring biblical texts, spring‑themed programs, or works exploring spirituality and sensuality in Hebrew poetry. The style features modal, lyrical writing with an archaic–modern blend, delicate textures, and an expressive but light soprano line.
 
Percussion Requirement
The soprano performs small percussion instruments (finger cymbals, sistrum, cowbells, Indian bells, tingshaws). These instruments are available for rental, ensuring performers can access the correct timbres and sizes.
 
Program Notes
Spring Calls for soprano, flute, viola, cello, and harp is a setting of texts from the second chapter of Canticles (Shir Hashirim), also known as "The Song of Songs," one of the five "Megilot" – sacred scrolls that are part of the Hebrew Bible. Canticles is primarily read during Passover, the "holiday of spring," and its theme revolves around love and the rebirth of love, symbolized by spring.
Instead of setting only a few lines, this work creates a journey depicting a woman’s quest and discovery of love, paralleling the awakening of spring. The musical language blends modal, archaic sounds with modern elements, evoking ancient instruments like the sistrum, an Egyptian instrument dating back to 2500 B.C.
Spring Calls was composed for Close Encounters With Music, under the artistic direction of Yehuda Hanani. The generous commissioning of this work by Lola and Edwin Jaffe is deeply appreciated for their steadfast support.
 
Technical Specifications
Duration: 8:00 minutes
Instrumentation: Leggero soprano (also plays small percussion instruments), flute, viola, cello, and harp
Year Composed: 2006
Text: Canticles 2: 1–13 (“The Song of Songs” or “Shir Hashirim”)
Language: Hebrew
Hard Copy
Condition: New
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