Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1744

Average_duration

:

172:11

Movement_count

:

78

Movement ....

Hercules, oratorio, HWV 60, is a work composed by George Frederick Handel in 1744. It premiered on January 5, 1745, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. The oratorio is divided into three acts and tells the story of the Greek hero Hercules and his struggles with jealousy, rage, and grief. The first act begins with a chorus praising the heroism of Hercules. The scene then shifts to the palace of King Eurytus, where Hercules is staying as a guest. Eurytus's daughter, Iole, sings a lament for her lost love, which Hercules overhears. He becomes infatuated with her and begins to neglect his own wife, Dejanira. The act ends with a duet between Hercules and Iole, expressing their love for each other. The second act opens with a chorus of Furies, representing the jealousy and rage that Hercules's neglect has caused in Dejanira. She seeks revenge by sending Hercules a poisoned robe, which she believes will make him love her again. However, the robe causes Hercules excruciating pain, and he realizes that he has been betrayed. The act ends with a chorus of lamentation for the fallen hero. The final act begins with a chorus of joy, as Hercules's son, Hyllus, arrives with news that his father has been cured of the poison. Hercules returns, but he is consumed with grief and guilt over his actions. He sings a powerful aria, "Where shall I fly?", expressing his despair. The oratorio ends with a chorus of consolation, as Hercules is forgiven and welcomed back into the community. Handel's music for Hercules is characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. The arias and choruses are richly orchestrated, with vivid depictions of the characters' emotions. The use of dissonance and chromaticism adds to the sense of tension and conflict in the story. Overall, Hercules is a powerful and moving work that showcases Handel's mastery of the oratorio form.

More....