Steve Reich on Composing "Jacob's Ladder"

Composer Steve Reich discusses his compositional approach and inspiration for his 2023 work, "Jacob's Ladder" for large ensemble and voices. The 20-minute piece is a setting of Genesis 28:12, describing a vision presented to the Biblical patriarch Jacob in which angels ascend and descend a ladder between Heaven and Earth.
"Jacob's Ladder" was premiered in October 2023 by Synergy Vocals, the New York Philharmonic, and Jaap van Zweden, and receives its European premiere in February 2024 at Maison de la Radio et de la Musique in Paris, performed by Ensemble intercontemporain and Synergy Vocals, led by George Jackson.
Learn more about "Jacob's Ladder": bit.ly/JacobsL...
Music:
"Jacob's Ladder" for large ensemble and voices
Composed by Steve Reich
Performed by Synergy Vocals, New York Philharmonic, and Jaap van Zweden
Performance footage and audio courtesy of the New York Philharmonic
Images:
"Jacob's Ladder." William Blake, c. 1799-1807
"The Towel of Babel." Pieter Bruegel the Elder, c. 1563
Film by Jesse Yang

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