'ALENU (
), MUSIC OF:
By: Francis L. Cohen
The traditional melody to which the 'Alenu prayer is chanted, while of comparatively late origin, is of suitable breadth and dignity. It consists essentially of the opening phrase, several times repeated, with the addition of a strain from the cantor's introduction of the 'Amidah and a passing reminiscence of the Kol Nidre. The version given on the opposite page is somewhat simpler in detail than that favored by most cantors, some of whom prefer also to quote a strain from the melodies of the preceding evening prayers instead of the one here instanced.
