Jephtha (HWV 70) is an oratorio (1751) by George Frideric Handel with an English language libretto by the Rev. Thomas Morell, based on the story of Jephtha in Judges (Chapter 11) and Jephthes sive votum (Jeptha or the Vow) (1554) by George Buchanan. Whilst writing Jephtha, Handel was increasingly troubled by his gradual loss of sight, and this proved to be his last oratorio. In the autograph score, at the end of the chorus "How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees" he wrote "Reached here on 13 February 1751, unable to go on owing to weakening of the sight of my left eye."
Librettist | Thomas Morell |
Date of composition | 1751 |
Premiered | 1752, February 26th (Covent Garden Theatre) in London, UK |
Type | Oratorio |
Catalogue | HWV 70 |
Spoken language | English |
Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Tenor) - Jephtha Voice (Soprano) - Iphis, Jephtha's Daughter Voice (Mezzo-Soprano) - Storgè, Jephtha's wife Voice (Bass) - Zebul, Jephtha's Brother Voice (Countertenor) - Hamor, in love with Iphis Voice (Soprano) - Angel Chorus/Choir - israelites, priests, virgins |
Links | |
Autotranslations beta |
Georg Friedrich Haendel: Jephtha, HWV 70 Georg Friedrich Händel: Jephtha, HWV 70 Georg Friedrich Händel: Jephtha, HWV 70 |