Samson (Handel)

"Samson" (HWV 57) is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel. It was based on a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton, who based it on Milton's "Samson Agonistes", which in turn was based on the figure Samson in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges. "Samson" is considered one of Handel's finest dramatic works.

The premiere was given in London on February 18, 1743. It was a great success, leading to a total of seven performances in its first season, the most in a single season of any of his oratorios. "Samson" retained its popularity throughout Handel's lifetime and has never fallen entirely out of favor since. It contains the popular aria "Let the bright Seraphim."

"Samson" is usually performed as an oratorio in concert form, but on occasions has also been staged as an opera.

Dramatis Personae

* Samson (tenor)
* Dalila, Wife of Samson (soprano)
* Micah, Friend to Samson (alto)
* Manoah, Father to Samson (bass)
* Harapha, a Giant (bass)
* Philistine Woman, Attendant to Dalila (soprano)
* Israelitish Woman (soprano)
* Philistine (tenor)
* Israelitish Man (tenor)
* Messenger (tenor)
* Chorus of Israelites
* Chorus of Philistines
* Chorus of Virgins

E-book

[http://mdz1.bib-bvb.de/~db/0001/bsb00016736/images/ Score] of "Samson" (ed. Friedrich Chrysander, Leipzig 1861)

External links

* [http://www.bostoncecilia.org/prognotes/handel-samson.html Program notes] by Boston Cecilia.
* Full-text [http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/samson.htm libretto] online.