Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1733

Average_duration

:

122:14

Movement_count

:

67

Movement ....

Athalia, HWV 52 is an oratorio composed by George Frederick Handel in 1733. It premiered on 10 July 1733 at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England. The oratorio is based on the biblical story of Athaliah, the queen of Judah who attempted to destroy the royal line of David. The oratorio consists of three acts and is divided into 34 movements. The first act sets the scene with a chorus and introduces the main characters, including Athaliah, the high priest Joad, and the young prince Joas. The second act focuses on the conflict between Athaliah and Joad, with arias and duets expressing their opposing views. The third act culminates in a dramatic finale, with Athaliah being overthrown and Joas being crowned as the rightful king. Handel's music in Athalia is characterized by its grandeur and emotional intensity. The choral writing is particularly impressive, with powerful choruses that convey the drama and tension of the story. The arias and duets are also notable for their expressive melodies and virtuosic vocal writing. Overall, Athalia is a masterful work that showcases Handel's skill as a composer of oratorios. Its powerful music and dramatic storyline continue to captivate audiences to this day.

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