Candles of Hanukkah: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Donnelly and Strid have crafted a piece that captures the warmth of Hanukkah tradition without overwhelming developing singers. The melodic writing sits comfortably for 2-part choirs, allowing students to focus on clarity and expression rather than navigating complex passagework. The accompanying piano part stays supportive and accessible, making rehearsals productive for directors managing mixed ability levels.

Warm and celebratory, with a melodic quality that feels genuinely rooted in Jewish musical tradition. The story of candles and dreidels unfolds in accessible, singable phrases that invite the singers to connect emotionally with the holiday's meaning.

Middle and elementary school choirs ready for part-singing but not yet ready for complex harmonic writing. This piece also works well for community choirs and congregational settings celebrating Hanukkah with mixed-age singers.

• Encourage singers to imagine the candles being lit one by one; this visual focus will naturally shape the phrasing and dynamic shape across the piece.
• Balance the melody between parts so that the primary tune remains clear without the second part receding into invisibility.
• Work the piano part up to performance tempo independently first, then layer in the voices to establish rhythmic security.

Pair this with instrumental pieces or secular holiday selections for a winter concert that honors multiple traditions. It also serves as an excellent teaching piece in December for schools working toward cultural awareness objectives. The eight-page length makes it ideal for a concert closer or as part of a themed winter program.

• 2-part voice independence and part awareness
• Singing in a Jewish melodic style and idiom
• Phrasing and expression that follows a narrative arc
• Coordinating with piano accompaniment
• Maintaining intonation in simple harmonic progressions