Jephtha (Handel)

"Jephtha" (HWV 70) is an oratorio (1751) by Handel with a libretto by the Rev. Thomas Morell, based on the story of Jephtha in Judges (Chapter 11) and "Jephthas sive votum" - "Jeptha or the Vow" (1554) by George Buchanan. Whilst writing Jephtha, Handel was increasingly troubled by his gradual loss of sight, and this proved to be his last oratorio. In the autograph score, at the end of the chorus "How dark, o Lord are thy decrees" he wrote "Reached here on 13 February, 1751, unable to go on owing to weakening of the sight of my left eye."

The story's device revolves around Jephtha's rash promise to the Almighty, should he be victorious, to sacrifice the first creature he shall meet on his return: he is met by his beloved daughter Iphis.

Handel's final masterpiece was presented [Staged performances of material based on biblical subjects was forbidden in Great Britain.] at Covent Garden in August 1751, with a cast that included two divas of the opera stage, Giulia Frasi, Handel's last prima donna since 1749, and Caterina Galli. It was presented without scenery or costumes, but divided into three acts.

This work is principally remembered for the aria “Waft her, angels, thro' the skies”, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful Handel ever composed.

Dramatis Personae

* Jephtha (tenor)
* Iphis, his Daughter (soprano)
* Storgé , his Wife (mezzo-soprano)
* Zebul, his Brother (bass)
* Hamor, in love with Iphis (alto)
* Angel (soprano)
* Chorus of Israelites
* Chorus of Priests
* Chorus of Virgins

External links

* [http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/jephtha.htm Full-text libretto online] .
* [http://www.bostoncecilia.org/prognotes/handel-jephtha.html Program Notes] by Boston Cecilia.
* [http://minos.bl.uk/popups/rm08image.html Page from Handel's autograph score] in the British Library
* [http://www.geocities.com/osvaldo_castro/hwv/obras/hwv070.htm Jephtha, excerpts]

Notes