Berliner’s Italian Premiere
La Nazione, one of Italy’s oldest newspaper, tracing its history to July 8, 1859, issued an article and interview with composer Baruch Berliner. The publication heralded the Italian premiere of the Genesis symphonic poem.
A grand symphonic poem narrating the creation of the world, with reciter Rosario Campisi reading verses from the Torah in dialogue with the music—this is what Genesis is. Written by Israeli composer, mathematician, poet, and author Baruch Berliner, the symphonic poem explores the question of choice between good and evil, drawing inspiration from the opening chapters of the Bible. This work, carrying a powerful message of peace, has already been performed in more than forty countries and will now be heard in Italy for the first time.
The performance takes place this evening at 9:00 p.m. at the Church of Santa Felicita, with the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina under the direction of Maestro Lior Shambadal. “All my works are based on biblical themes because I believe in God. In Hebrew, ‘Baruch’ means ‘blessed,’” Berliner explains.
Mr. Berliner, Genesis is making its debut in Italy. How do you feel about this?
“I am very happy and excited about this opportunity. Last night we were in Assisi, and today in Florence. It comes as no surprise to me that the rehearsals with the orchestra went wonderfully. Italy is the cradle of classical music, and I am filled with admiration for Italian music and the Italian people.”
The text and music are inspired by the Torah. What motivated this choice?
“I set out to address the eternal dilemma of choice between Good and Evil. In my work, this question arises spontaneously. In fact, humans are the only living beings faced with it. The work’s movements span the period from Adam and Eve to Noah and the Flood. The symphonic poem concludes with the image of a rainbow and a divine promise of peace.”
How was Genesis born?
“At the time, I was working on my doctoral thesis in mathematics at the University of Zurich. When I needed a break, I would walk by the lake. It was there that I began composing music. Like Pythagoras, I grasped the connection between music and mathematics: both are linked to philosophy, and in both, the use of creativity is fundamental. I must also thank my friend Nachum Slutzker, with whom I have collaborated for 33 years—without him, none of this would have been possible—and my wife Ruhama, who has always stood by me.”
The symphonic poem explores the grand themes of philosophy and faith.
“Most of humanity was not very good from the start. Take the first two brothers—one killed the other. And after ten generations, humanity had become so wicked that God decided to destroy it. But there was one man, Noah, who chose a different path. I want to encourage people to follow the right path, to resist the grip of evil on their character. I hope and believe that my music can contribute to this; I believe it brings people closer to the Bible. Connecting to the Scripture, in essence, makes humanity better.”
In a word plagued by war, do you want to share your message of peace?
“My message of peace lies in fostering a deeper mutual understanding—the ability to hear what others are saying, thinking, or expressing, especially through music. It encourages us to recognize that we are all different, each blessed with unique inclinations.”
Lorenzo Ottanelli
La Nazione
Florence, March 18, 2026