Walls Will Fall is a site-specific composition by Mazen Kerbaj which premiered on May 19th 2018. The piece guided 49 Berlin trumpeters through the unique acoustics of a large water reservoir in Berlin-Pankow, whose winding corridors are reminiscent of a labyrinth as in early depictions of Jericho’s ancient city map: According to the old testament, Jericho’s walls collapsed under the sound of seven trumpeters, blowing their horns for seven days while circling around the city. Far from the religious background of the story, it is the idea of music breaking walls and barriers that is central to this composition. During the performance of "Walls Will Fall" the water reservoir’s natural reverberation becomes the accomplice of every sound and movement. As the musicians walk in the space while performing the seven parts of the composition, an acoustic labyrinth unfolds.
Walls Will Fall is Kerbaj's most ambition (and political) composition to date. The first representation was recorded and released by Bohemian Drips. The piece was performed again time at the Kraftwerk in Berlin, during the Maerz Musik Festival 2019

While referencing the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho in its title, Kerbaj largely eschews those religious connections for something more universal and pressing given the current state of the world.
The combination of an international cast of players and the repeated chant during the climax, powerfully recast the bible story to address xenophobia, closed borders, and the increasing intolerance visited upon refugees.
[Peter Margasak – The Wire]

On "Walls Will Fall", Lebanese trumpeter Mazen Kerbaj unites fourty-nine trumpet players to re-enact the biblical story of bringing down the walls of Jericho, in a seemlingly endless single tone that resonates majestically in a water reservoir in Berlin-Pankow.
Even if not discernable at first listen, the 34 minute piece consists of seven parts, first with tapping their instruments, then gradually starting to blow their horns, unfolding the full sound as the musicians march through the resonating space. At the very end of the piece, some trumpeters start shouting "Walls Will Fall" like demonstrators, and as an incantation.
The music is unique. It is a strong statement. Its collective power is amazing. So is its unwavering linearity. There is no reason to change too much from the core message. There is only one: we are all together and we will bring down the wall.
[Stef – Free Jazz Blog]

The work is in several sections, beginning with a host of clicking sounds, moving on to sweeping breath tones (49 trumpets can create quite a wind storm), gradually introducing shofarlike calls and then purer brass notes and finally shouts of "Walls will fall!". The massive reverberation of the buzzing of the horns is very impressive.
[Brian Olewnick – Just Outside]