Yehudit’s Proclamation (2023)

A work in a Baroque style for soprano, violins, and basso continuo. The text is taken from the non-canonical book of Yehudit (Judith) and is in a recitative and aria structure. The recitative tells the story of Judith taking Holofernes’ sword and chopping off the enemy general’s head and the aria is Judith celebrating the victory of the Israelites through her actions. The work was performed twice in August 2023, first by soprano Bianca Zelaya accompanied by Ryan Closs (cello) and the composer (keyboard). It was also performed as part of the Treasures of the Jewish Baroque series by Ruston Ropac (soprano), Alexandra Calabro and Chelsea Winter (Baroque violins), Ryan Closs (theorbo) and the composer (viola da gamba).