George Handel's oratorio Samson premieres at London's Covent Garden
Samson is an oratorio based on a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton, who based it on Milton's Samson Agonistes, which which in turn was based on Samson in the Holy Bible's Old Testament Book of Judges. Samson is considered one of Handel's finest dramatic works.
Below is I think a brilliant recording performed by Münchener Bach-Chor Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter conducting. Soloists: Sheila Armstrong, Martina Arroyo, Helen Donath, Ezio Flagello, Norma Procter, Thomas Stewart, Alexander Young.
Here's the recording tracks:
1. Overture 00:00
2. Chorus of Philistines: Awake the trumpet's lofty sound! 06:38
3. Air (Philistine woman): Ye men of Gaza, hither bring 08:42
4. Air (Samson): Total eclipse 12:52
5. Chorus of Israelites: Then round about the starry throne 17:23
6. Air and chorus (Micah, Israelites): Return oh Gof of hosts! 19:25
7. Duet and chorus (Dalila, Virgin, Virgins): My faith and truth, oh Samson prove 29:35
8. Air (Samson): Your charms to ruin led the way 36:37
9. Air (Harapha): Honour and arms such a foe 40:17
10. Duet (Samson, Harapha): Go, baffled coward, go 45:45
11. Chorus of Israelites: With thunder armed 48:16
12. Chorus of Israelites and Philistines: Fix'd in his everlasting seat 51:24
13. Air (Samson): Thus when the sun from's wat'ry bed 54:36
14. Air and chorus (Philistine man, Philistines): Great Dagon has subdued our foe 58:35
15. Chorus of Philistines: Hear us our God, oh hear our cry! 01:02:28
16. Dead March 01:03:52
17. Solo and chorus (Israelites): Glorious hero, may thy grave 01:06:46
18. Air (Israelites woman): Let the bright Seraphim 01:13:06
19. Chorus of Israelites: Let their celestical concerts all unite 01:16:20
The premiere on February 18, 1743, was a great success leading to a total of seven performances in its first season, the most in a single season of any of Handel's oratorios. Samson retained its popularity throughout Handel's lifetime. It is usually performed as an oratorio in concert form. On occasions it has also been staged as an opera.
Video Credit:
Handel - Samson. VSP musicale. Accessed Feb 18, 2018.
Resource:
Handel's Oratorio Samson. operastanford.edu (Libretto Homepage). Accessed February 18, 2015.
© 2007. Updated February 18, 2018. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights Reserved.
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