Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

before 1774

Publication Date

:

1774

Average_duration

:

168:41

Movement_count

:

31

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's oratorio 'Il Ritorno di Tobia, H. 21/1' was composed in 1775 and premiered in Eszterháza, Hungary in the same year. The oratorio is divided into three parts and is based on the biblical story of Tobit and his son Tobias. The first part of the oratorio begins with Tobit's blindness and his prayer for death. The angel Raphael appears to Tobias and instructs him to travel to Media to collect a debt owed to his father. Tobias is hesitant to go, but Raphael assures him that he will be protected on his journey. The second part of the oratorio follows Tobias on his journey to Media. He is accompanied by the angel Raphael, who helps him catch a fish and extract its gall, which he uses to cure his father's blindness. Tobias also meets and falls in love with Sarah, who has been cursed by a demon. With Raphael's help, Tobias is able to exorcise the demon and marry Sarah. The third part of the oratorio sees Tobias and Sarah return to Tobit, who is overjoyed to see his son and his new daughter-in-law. The oratorio ends with a chorus praising God for his mercy and goodness. Haydn's 'Il Ritorno di Tobia' is characterized by its use of solo and choral singing, as well as its orchestration. The oratorio features a variety of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus. The music is often dramatic and expressive, reflecting the emotions of the characters in the story. Overall, 'Il Ritorno di Tobia' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its themes of faith, redemption, and the power of love continue to resonate with audiences today.

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