Old Song

This simple melody in a minor key dates back to the late Italian Renaissance, where the musical theme is found in 'La Mantovana', also known as 'Ballo di Mantova' or 'Fuggi fuggi'. In 1877, Naftali Herz Imber, a secular Galician Jew who emigrated to the land of Israel in 1882, wrote a poem entitled Tikvatenu ("Our Hope") and, in 1888, Samuel Cohen, a Romanian immigrant, adapted the melody of "La Mantovana" to the poetic text. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the song entitled "HaTikva" became its de facto national anthem. Only in November 2004 was it officially proclaimed the national anthem of the State of Israel. The arranger wanted to present, in his own rhythmic version, this charming melody that is lost in the mists of time.

Scomegna Edizioni Musicali, ES B582.16A