Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Sacred music

Compose Date

:

1963

First Performance

:

Aug 23, 1964

Average_duration

:

11:19

Igor Stravinsky's "Abraham and Isaac" is a dramatic cantata for baritone, tenor, and orchestra. It was composed in 1962 and premiered on June 28, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, with Robert Oliver and Richard Lewis as soloists and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta. The cantata is based on the biblical story of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, as told in Genesis 22. The text is taken from the medieval English mystery play "The Chester Miracle Play of Abraham and Isaac," which Stravinsky translated himself into French. The cantata is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Command," begins with a solemn orchestral introduction that sets the tone for the drama to come. The baritone soloist sings the role of God, commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son. The tenor soloist sings the role of Isaac, expressing his confusion and fear. The second movement, "The Trial," is a dialogue between Abraham and Isaac as they journey to the place of sacrifice. The music is tense and dramatic, with the orchestra underscoring the emotional turmoil of the characters. The final movement, "The Sacrifice," is the climax of the cantata. The orchestra builds to a frenzied climax as Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, but at the last moment, an angel intervenes and the sacrifice is averted. The music becomes more serene as Abraham and Isaac are reunited. "Abraham and Isaac" is characterized by Stravinsky's use of serial techniques, which he had been exploring since the 1950s. The music is dissonant and angular, reflecting the tension and conflict of the story. However, there are also moments of lyricism and beauty, particularly in the vocal lines. Overall, "Abraham and Isaac" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. It is a testament to Stravinsky's continued experimentation and innovation in his later years.

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