Hava Nashira

3-Part with Piano

Posted by Natalie Cardillo | ChoralPop

🕰 Style & Background

Hava Nashira is a lively Hebrew round and folk-style piece frequently used to energize singers in rehearsal or open a concert with brightness and unity. This SATB setting by John Leavitt elevates the traditionally simple tune with elegant part writing, flowing vocal lines, and a joyful, dance-like character. Its brevity and accessibility make it a strong choice for beginning or intermediate ensembles.

Music by: Traditional Hebrew folk tune
Arranged by: John Leavitt
Language: Hebrew
Style: Folk-inspired choral / Round
Time Period: Contemporary setting of traditional melody

💡 Why This Piece Works

This arrangement of Hava Nashira shines in its ability to sound both celebratory and refined. It offers a quick win for choirs learning to sing in Hebrew, and the round structure provides instant harmonic engagement. It works well as a concert opener or festival selection thanks to its optimistic energy and tight structure.

🎯 Ideal for These Concerts

✅ Winter Concerts
✅ Spring Concerts
✅ Thematic Concerts (celebration, singing, joy, multicultural)
✅ Festival / Adjudication
✅ Holiday Concerts (not a seasonal piece)
⚠️ Graduation (unless thematically appropriate)

🌎 Geographic Origin

  • Melody Origin: Jewish folk tradition

  • Language: Hebrew

  • Arrangement: Contemporary choral setting (USA)

🎵 Musical Characteristics

Melodic Range

  • Part 1: Bb3–Eb5

  • Part 2: Bb3–Eb5

  • Part 3: Bb3–Eb5

  • Solo Range: None required — fully ensemble-based

Key & Tonality

  • Primarily in Bb major
    Solfege Accessibility: Easy — diatonic

Rhythmic Complexity

  • Steady 2/4 meter

  • Downbeat entrances and layered imitation

Text Clarity & Diction

  • Short Hebrew text, phonetic and repetitive

  • Excellent for introducing non-English diction

  • Strong opportunity to work on consonant precision and unified vowels

Harmonic Density

  • Simple but engaging round structure

  • Diatonic harmony with some suspensions and resolution

  • Builds rich texture with limited harmonic content

Form & Repetition

  • Canon/round construction

  • Repeats and layers melody across voice parts

  • Structure is easily retained and performance-ready quickly

📩 Price Comparison Summary

Retailer Format Price Link

JW Pepper SATB Octavo $2.25 View

Sheet Music Plus SATB Octavo $2.15 View

Hal Leonard SATB Octavo $2.25 View

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