Moscow Premiere of Abraham oratorio for Narrator, Choir, Organ, and Two Grand Pianos: Video Release

The video of the Moscow premiere of the Abraham oratorio—arranged for narrator, choir, organ, and two grand pianos—has been released on composer Baruch Berliner’s YouTube channel and other media platforms. The performance took place in the Rachmaninoff Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in June 2024.

The oratorio draws on the biblical narrative of Abraham, the leader of the Jewish people, Israel. The eldest of the Israelite patriarchs, he is regarded as the originator of the monotheistic faith.

The oratorio for narrator, choir, organ, and symphony orchestra is adapted from Baruch Berliner’s symphonic poem of the same name. The arrangement was created by Eugene Levitas (Israel) and Andrei Pospelov (Russia).

The oratorio comprises five movements and a prologue:

• Prologue
• Go Forth
• The Blessing
• The Covenant
• Abraham
• Ode to the Lord

The oratorio was performed by the Chamber Choir of the Ippolitov-Ivanov Institute for Music Education.

Conducted by Vladimir Naumenko
Organ: Marina Badmaeva
Piano: Maria Skorobogatova and Vasilisa Belyaeva
Narration: Sergey Naumenko
Produced by Nachum Slutzker