When you listen to a song, the music and lyrics sometimes touch you in a profound way. Though the connection between the song and listener appears magical, the musician makes many choices, often subtle, that can transform a song from ordinary to extraordinary.

Robyn's most recent recording, Hearts Awaken, wonderfully illustrates this artistic process.

Selecting songs for a recording is an intuitive process for Robyn. She collects hundreds of songs from music libraries, Israeli folk dance events, recommendations from friends, and new songs provided by contemporary Jewish composers. Most of these songs are not well known. In fact, Robyn debuts two songs on Hearts Awaken-Or Shalom and Modeh Ani.

Drawing from a rich treasury of Jewish songs, Robyn carefully reviews each piece. Does the song resonate emotionally? Can I express the meaning of the song to an audience? Will the song provide the audience with an important Jewish music experience?

Consider the lyrics of Shir Ha'agudah, the Hebrew-language song that inspired the title for Hearts Awaken.

The chorus of the song begins with an excerpt from the first line of Psalm 133: How good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity. People coming together as a community to celebrate with song--this is Robyn's passion.

The song literally refers to the ingathering of Diaspora Jews of all backgrounds. Robyn also sees a universal meaning in the song. Many people are isolated from the sources of their spirit. Shir Ha'agudah encourages us to come together and renew our spirit through music. With the spreading of our song, all hearts will awaken.

Robyn's arrangement underscores the progression of the song. Robyn begins by singing the chorus in acappella harmony with the Robyn Helzner Trio. This introduction reinforces the premise of the song--the pure and unifying power of music.

The first verse is the song's wake-up call, which encourages the exiles to arise and join their brothers and sisters in Israel. Robyn sings this verse solo, accompanied only by guitar.

With the plea for unity becoming more exuberant in the second verse, Robyn's arrangement reflects the anticipated gathering of the diverse communities. The instrumentation and vocal scoring becomes more complex and energetic. The excitement builds as the second verse articulates a vision of the coming celebration.

Prepare my voice!

The Robyn Helzner Trio sings the coda exultantly as the exiles heed the plea for unity. The arrangement with an exuberant repetition of the introductory chorus based on Psalm 133.