Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1733

Average_duration

:

150:30

Movement_count

:

87

Movement ....

Deborah, HWV 51 is an oratorio composed by George Frederick Handel in 1733. It premiered on March 17, 1733, at the King's Theatre in London. The oratorio is divided into three acts and tells the story of the prophetess Deborah and her role in the defeat of the Canaanite army. The first act begins with the Israelites lamenting their oppression by the Canaanites. Deborah, a prophetess, encourages Barak to lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites. The act ends with the Israelites preparing for battle. The second act depicts the battle between the Israelites and the Canaanites. The Israelites are victorious, and the Canaanite general, Sisera, is killed. The act ends with Deborah and Barak praising God for their victory. The third act focuses on the aftermath of the battle. Jael, a woman from the Israelite camp, kills Sisera while he is sleeping. Deborah and Barak sing a duet praising God for their victory and the downfall of their enemies. Handel's music in Deborah is characterized by his use of choral and solo vocal writing, as well as his skillful use of orchestration. The oratorio features a variety of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus. Handel's use of the chorus is particularly notable, as he employs them to great effect in the battle scenes. Overall, Deborah is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Handel's skill as a composer. Its themes of faith, courage, and victory over oppression continue to resonate with audiences today.

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