Alexander Balus (HWV 65) is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel, named after its title character, the Seleucid king Alexander Balas. The work has three acts and was written in English. The period of the story is from 150 B.C to 145 B.C. The libretto is by Thomas Morell after the biblical book of 1 Maccabees.
| Librettist | Thomas Morell (After the biblical book of 1 Maccabees) |
| Date of composition | 1747 ((1 June - 4 July)) |
| Premiered | 1748, March 23rd (Covent Garden Theatre) in London, UK |
| Type | Oratorio |
| Catalogue | HWV 65 |
| Spoken language | English |
| Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Alto) - Alexander Balus Voice (Bass) - Ptolemee, King of Egypt Voice (Tenor) - Jonathan, Chief of the Jews Voice (Soprano) - Cleopatra Thea, Daughter to Ptolemee Voice (Soprano) - Aspasia, her confidante Voice (Tenor) - A Sycophant Courtier Voice (Tenor) - Messenger Voice (Bass) - Another Messenger Chorus/Choir - Israelites, Chorus of Asiates, Chorus of ruffians |
| Links | |
| Autotranslations beta |
Georg Friedrich Haendel: Alexander Balus, HWV 65 Georg Friedrich Händel: Alexander Balus, HWV 65 Georg Friedrich Händel: Alexander Balus, HWV 65 |