Re: Adon Olam

[Chazzzan <Chazzzan...>]

Raquel, to address your last point first.  Imagine if we applied that logic to
all other prayers that have been set to "modern" or "irreverent" melodies.

I agree with you about the need for people to understand what they are singing
and how important it is to their souls and the traditions to sing these
prayers with meaning.

I also agree that some of us cantors/songleaders/tummlers go overboard in
trying to get our audience/congregation/kids/adults to have fun with the
prayers.

But don't overreact...it is OK to have fun with the prayers.  We use one of 4
"traditional" melodies, and try to avoid modern "parody" tunes like the
William Tell Overture.

But you are correct, "nusach" refers to musical modes.  But at HaNashir, the
leaders have been known to use "New American Nusach" to describe their work.  

Great writing, Raquel!  Keep it up...

Brian