Mahalalakh (Praising thee)

Author: Mordechai Abadi. This piyyut consists of two lehanin. The first is sung to strophes 1 and 2, and belongs to maqam Rast, while the second lahan is in maqam Mahur and is performed in strophes 3, 4, and 6. These two lehanim are considered the regular lehanim of this piyyut. The fifth strophe is sung to an adopted lahan from unknown source, in maqam Nahawand. The first lahan consists of eight musical units comprising the complete strophe, each of which corresponds to a verse; the fifth and sixth verses are sung twice. Melodic structure of the first lahan: a-b-a-b'-c-d-c-d'. The second lahan  is sung as an antiphon between solo singers and the congregation; the solo singer's part is melismatic and free. The solo part is sung to the first verse and the first part of the fourth verse (this part is sung twice). The structure is: solo-e-e'-solo-f-solo-f-e-e'.