Joshua (HWV 64) is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel. It was composed in a month, between 19 July 1747 and 19 August 1747, six months before the beginning of the oratorio season, and is Handel's fourth oratorio based on a libretto by Thomas Morell. The oratorio premiered on 9 March 1748 at the Covent Garden Theatre, London. Joshua is based on the Biblical story of Joshua as the leader of the Children of Israel. The story follows the Israelites from their passage over the Jordan River into Caanan and through the Battle of Jericho. The work also includes a love story elaborated from a few hints in the Biblical narrative between Achsah, Caleb's daughter and Othniel, a young soldier.

Librettist Thomas Morell
Date of composition 1747
Premiered 1748, March 9th (Covent Garden Theatre) in London, UK
Type Oratorio
Catalogue HWV 64
Spoken language English
Instruments Orchestra
Voice (Tenor) - Joshua, Leader of the Israelites
Voice (Alto) - Othniel, a young warrior, promised to Achsah
Voice (Bass) - Caleb
Voice (Soprano) - Achsah, Daughter of Caleb
Voice (Tenor) - Angel
Chorus/Choir - Israelites, Chorus of the defeated Israelites, Chorus of the Tribe of Judah,Chorus of Youths,Chorus of Virgins
Links
Autotranslations beta Georg Friedrich Haendel: Joshua, HWV 64
Georg Friedrich Händel: Joshua, HWV 64
Georg Friedrich Händel: Joshua, HWV 64