Athalia (HWV 52) is an English-language oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel to a libretto by Samuel Humphreys based on the play Athalie by Jean Racine. The work was commissioned in 1733 for the Publick Act in Oxford – a commencement ceremony of the local colleges, one of which had offered Handel an honorary doctorate (an honour he declined). The story is based on that of the Biblical queen Athaliah.
Librettist | Jean Racine |
Date of composition | 1733 |
Premiered | 1733, July 10th (Sheldonian Theatre) in Oxford, UK |
Type | Oratorio |
Catalogue | HWV 52 |
Spoken language | English |
Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Soprano) - Athalia, Baalite Queen of Judah and Daughter of Jezebel Voice (Soprano) - Josabeth, Wife of Joad Voice (Soprano) - boy soprano, Joas, King of Judah Voice (Alto) - Joad, High Priest Voice (Tenor) - Mathan, Priest of Baal, formerly a Jewish Priest Voice (Bass) - Abner, Captain of the Jewish Forces Chorus/Choir - Young Virgins, Israelites, Priests and Levites,Priests and Levites, Attendants, Sidonian Priests |
Links | |
Autotranslations beta |
Georg Friedrich Haendel: Athalia, HWV 52 Georg Friedrich Händel: Athalia, HWV 52 Georg Friedrich Händel: Athalia, HWV 52 |