"Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving"

William Finn’s Elegies memorializes in song the lives of many of his friends and family members. The autobiographical song cycle, composed in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, sheds light on those lives with optimism, humor, and pathos.

The song “Mark’s All-Male Thanksgiving” is a loving tribute to Finn’s quirky, warm memories of Thanksgiving gatherings with his community of gay friends. We hear about the foods they shared and the many distinctive and talented people who attended each year.

Many of these men became victims of AIDS, their young lives cut too short.

We share this song, whose text appears in our siddur (prayerbook), to recall an entire generation lost to this horrible disease. May we see an end to the suffering caused by HIV/AIDS speedily in our days.

🎵: Mark’s All-Male Thanksgiving from Elegies. Music and lyrics: William Finn (b. 1952).

🗣️: CBST Cantor Sam Rosen

🎹: CBST Music Director Joyce Rosenzweig

For more wonderful settings, be in community with CBST at Kabbalat Shabbat services, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. ET, in person or livestreaming on CBST’s website. All are welcome.