Some considerations on Steve Reich’s opera The Cave

Abstract

The Cave, Reich’s first lyrical work, belongs to a compositional period that the composer
himself dubbed “documentary”. Giving the word to Abraham and his kins, Reich
reflects on the Israelo-Palestinian conflict, symbolised by the tension between Sarah and
Agar and between Isaac and Ismael. Each act refers to a different culture, a different geographic
area and a different time, on the basis of sacred texts proper to each of the three
religions:
— Act I, West Jerusalem/Hebron, 1989, the Old Testament and the Midrash.
— Act II, East Jerusalem/Hebron, 1989-1991, Koran and Tabari.
— Act III, New York/Austin, 1992, the Old Testament according to the Christian tradition.
The paper evidences several technical devices (repetition, rhythmic variation, choice of
harmonies, etc.) linked to the places and the topics.