Album Review: Hatikva by CBS Israel Symphony Orchestra & The Israel Army Band
If you’re into classical music with a military twist, Hatikva might just hit the spot. Released under CBS and led by Y. Graziani, who both arranged and conducted tracks B1-3, this album feels like a stirring journey through Israel’s spirit and history. With genres spanning Classical, Brass, and Military, it’s not your typical sit-back-and-relax kind of record—but that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
One track that sticks out is “Hatikva,” which serves as the national anthem of Israel. It’s impossible not to feel chills when the brass section kicks in. The arrangement here feels grand yet intimate, almost like hearing an entire nation's heartbeat in one song. There’s something raw about how Graziani handles the melody—it’s patriotic but never overblown, leaving room for reflection rather than bombast. You don’t just listen to “Hatikva”; you experience it.
Another standout is “Seoo Tsiona Nes Va Degel (Bring The Flag To Zion).” This one grabs you from the first note with its bold brass fanfare. It’s got a marching rhythm that makes you want to stand up straighter, maybe even hum along if you know the tune. What stays with me isn’t just the technical brilliance of the orchestra or band—it’s the emotional weight behind it. It’s celebratory without being cheesy, proud without crossing into arrogance. That balance is tricky, but they nail it.
The other tracks, including “Heveynu Shalom Aleichem” and “Anoo N’Hieh Hareeshonim (We Will Be The First),” round out the album nicely. They keep the energy high while adding layers of cultural depth. But honestly, those two mentioned above are the ones I’ll remember long after the needle lifts off the vinyl.
What strikes me most about Hatikva is how unapologetically Israeli it feels. It doesn’t try to cater to global trends or soften its edges for wider appeal. Instead, it leans fully into its identity, letting the music speak for itself. And somehow, despite all the pomp and circumstance, there’s a warmth to it—a sense of pride that feels earned rather than forced.
Here’s the unexpected part: listening to this album made me think about how rare it is these days to hear music so deeply tied to a specific place and time. Most modern releases aim for universality, but Hatikva reminds us that sometimes, staying rooted is where the magic happens. Plus, let’s be real—how often do you get to hear an army band play with such finesse? Not every day, that’s for sure.
