Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This double CD is the soundtrack of a video opera visualised by Beryl Korot so we are not, as it were, seeing the whole picture. However there is still much to make us think. Basically, the opera is an exploration and meditation on stories about Abraham but as told by members of different faith communities who look back to him as their spiritual father. Thus we hear extracts from the book of Genesis followed by comments from Jews and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians, and men and women with the words being set to music in Steve Reich's inimitable style. So we hear great attention to rhythm and cadence but at the expense of melody. This ensures that we hear the words which allow us a glimpse of how people from a wide variety of perspectives approach some well known stories (or stories that I thought I knew well bit having heard this CD I am forced to question my own presuppositions). Those who are interested in contemporary classical music (whatever that might mean) will find this to be worth investigating although it is rather expensive to take a chance. There are extracts included in the 10-CD 'Steve Reich: The Works 1965 - 1995' but that is hardly a budget option.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.