Composer

:

Baldassare Galuppi

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1770

First Performance

:

May 24, 1770

Average_duration

:

08:25

Baldassare Galuppi, also known as Il Buranello, was an Italian composer of the Baroque era. He was born in 1706 in the Venetian Republic and died in 1785 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Galuppi was a prolific composer, producing over 100 operas, as well as numerous sacred works, chamber music, and keyboard pieces. One of his lesser-known works is the oratorio "Jahel," which was composed in 1747. "Jahel" is an oratorio in three movements, with a libretto by Carlo Innocenzo Frugoni. The work tells the story of Jahel, a biblical figure who is praised for her bravery and cunning in defeating the enemy general Sisara. The first movement sets the scene with an overture in the typical fast-slow-fast structure of Baroque music. The second movement is a recitative and aria in which Jahel sings of her determination to defeat Sisara. The final movement is a chorus in which the Israelites celebrate their victory. The music of "Jahel" is typical of Galuppi's style, with lively and energetic melodies, intricate counterpoint, and dramatic contrasts between loud and soft passages. The vocal writing is virtuosic, with elaborate coloratura passages and expressive recitatives. The orchestration is also rich and varied, with prominent use of strings, winds, and brass. "Jahel" premiered in Venice in 1747, and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. However, the work has since fallen into obscurity, and is rarely performed today. Despite this, "Jahel" remains an important example of Galuppi's skill as a composer, and a testament to his contribution to the Baroque era.

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