Handel: Sound an alarm! from Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63

Description

Written by Georg Frideric Handel (1685-1759) in 1746, the 3-act oratorio Judas Maccabaeus (also spelled Judas Maccabeus) is based on 1 Maccabees, one of the deuterocanonical (or apocryphal) books of scripture. It tells the story of the Jewish people under the Seleucid Empire, which sought to destroy the Jewish religion, and the leader Judas Maccabaeus who inspired his people to victory.

It premiered at Covent Garden in London on April 1, 1747, with Handel conducting. The aria and chorus Sound an alarm! takes place near the end of Act II, after Judas' people excitement over a victory quickly turns to dismay upon hearing that the Seleucid Empire intends to enact revenge. Sound an alarm! is Judas' call to fight again and destroy the pagan alters and reject the false religions.

Instrumentation: 0.2.0.1: 0.3.0.0: Timp: Org: Str (2-2-2-1-1 in set): Solo Ten: Mix Chor.

Vocal/Choral scores not included.