The Poetry and Prophecy of the Old Testament

A compilation from the Old Testament, in which chapters from Genesis, Song of Songs, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Psalms are narrated on the background of orchestral music. Originally, the text was narrated in English by the celebrated actor-singer Theodore Bikel, but years later the first excerpts were premiered in Israel, this time in Hebrew. The music in these pieces seemingly illustrates the narrated texts, but is actually a depiction in sounds of the biblical occurrences and text, a counterpoint of sorts on the spoken word. Both arts are combined and complement each other.
The work was recorded on LP for the Electra Company, with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer, narrated by Theodore Bikel.
Excerpts from the work were performed in Israel by The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Herzeliya Chamber Orchestra. Among the narrators were Gila Almagor, Yehoram Gaon and Doron Tavori.