Babel (Stravinsky)

Babel is a cantata by Igor Stravinsky, composed in 1944. It is a short, four-part work based on the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 11:1-9). The cantata is scored for male narrator, male chorus, and orchestra.

The work's genesis began with a commission from the publishers Birchard for a short sacred work to be included in a collection of pieces for use during World War II. Stravinsky chose the story of Babel as his subject, seeing in it a metaphor for the divisive forces at play in the world. He wrote the text himself, using a mixture of Biblical language and his own interpretation of the story.

Babel is considered a relatively small and infrequently performed work within Stravinsky's larger oeuvre, yet it is significant for several reasons. It marks a period of Stravinsky's increasing interest in serialism, although the work is not fully serial. The composer uses twelve-tone techniques, particularly in the instrumental interludes, to depict the confusion and chaos following the destruction of the tower. Furthermore, Babel is notable as Stravinsky's first use of the English language in a major work, a decision likely influenced by his move to the United States.

The cantata is divided into four short sections:

1. The Building of the Tower: This section describes the initial unity and ambition of humanity in building the tower.
2. The Confusion of Tongues: God intervenes, creating different languages and scattering the people across the earth.
3. The Destruction of the Tower: This section depicts the collapse of the Tower of Babel.
4. The Wrath of God: This final section emphasizes God's power and the consequences of humanity's hubris.

While not considered one of Stravinsky's most popular or widely performed compositions, Babel remains a fascinating example of his ability to grapple with complex theological and political themes through music, showcasing his evolving compositional techniques.