Saul (HWV 53) is a dramatic oratorio in three acts written by George Frideric Handel with a libretto by Charles Jennens. Taken from the First Book of Samuel, the story of Saul focuses on the first king of Israel's relationship with his eventual successor, David; one which turns from admiration to envy and hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of the eponymous monarch. The work, which Handel composed in 1738, includes the famous "Dead March", a funeral anthem for Saul and his son Jonathan, and some of the composer's most dramatic choral pieces. Saul was first performed at the King's Theatre in London on 16 January 1739. The work was a success at its London premiere and was revived by Handel in subsequent seasons. Notable modern-day performances of Saul include that at Glyndebourne in 2015.
Librettist | Charles Jennens |
Date of composition | 1738 (23 July to 15 August, completed 27 September) |
Premiered | 1739, January 16th (King's Theatre in the Haymarket) in London, UK |
Type | Oratorio |
Catalogue | HWV 53 |
Spoken language | English |
Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Bass) - Saul, King of Israel Voice (Soprano) - Merab Voice (Soprano) - Michal Voice (Tenor) - Jonathan Voice (Contralto) - David Voice (Bass) - Ghost of Samuel Voice (Tenor) - High Priest Voice (Tenor) - Witch of Endor Voice (Tenor) - Abner Voice (Tenor) - Amalekite Voice (Bass) - Doeg Chorus/Choir - Chorus of Israelites |
Links |
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Autotranslations beta |
Georg Friedrich Haendel: Saul, HWV 53 Georg Friedrich Händel: Saul, HWV 53 Georg Friedrich Händel: Saul, HWV 53 |