The Twelve Tribes of Israel

The article is a brief preview by composer Erich Walter Sternberg of his work The Twelve Tribes, for symphony orchestra.

The piece itself was written in 1938, and premiered in Tel Aviv in 1942. It is described by Peter Gradenwitz in his article Israel (Musical Quarterly 18, 1948): 'It is a set of twelve variations — each characterizing one of the historical tribes — based on one memorable theme which according to the composer represents the common root and common belief of the Israelite tribes. Throughout the impressive work Sternberg rises to the great theme and there is grandeur in his invention and elaboration; the work is crowned by a quadruple fugue on the theme.'