"Omnis spiritus laudet Dominum", every spirit praises the Lord: it is in the Psalms that the fervour of the people is expressed, particularly that of the Ashkenazim, the Jews of Central Europe.
Stemming from the pure mystical Hasidic tradition, Eli atah is an authentic melody whose melodic beauty has made it famous. In slow or very moderate tempo, an expression of gratitude and faith, it is generally sung on Shabbat evenings.
The arrangement proposed here, which is easy to perform and memorise, is suitable for a choir with few male voices, three female voices: soprano, alto 1 (or mezzo-soprano) and alto 2 (and/or tenor) and one male voice (baritone or bass).
The accompaniment is preferably provided by the organ, but may also be played on the piano, with a double bass playing the bass notes in the left hand of the keyboard.
If the organ is absent, this arrangement can also be performed a cappella.
