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 |
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