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Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song, which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean “Goodbye, friends, goodbye and see you again!”. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’. The composer himself says about the song, ‘Although the melody is in a minor key, the overall atmosphere in the song is positive; one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye, however, also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ‘blue notes’ in the harmonies, this can be sensed immediately.’ Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’ ends on a cheerful and positive note, in fast tempo, and with oriental elements in the melody: ‘L'hitra'ot, Shalom’ (See you again, and farewell!).
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