Oratorio in three acts, HWV 63 (1747)
Libretto by Thomas Morell, based on the (apocryphal) First Book of the Maccabaeans and Flavius Josephus’ Antiquitates Judaicae (93/94 CE)
Musical director: Holger Speck
Judas Maccabaeus: Thomas Hobbs
Simon: Matthias Winckhler
Israelitish Woman: Suzanne Jerosme
Israelitish Man: Olivia Vermeulen
Priest: Jaro Kirchgessner
Vocalensemble Rastatt
Les Favorites
65/50/30 €
A freedom hero, a popular uprising and an oratorio of overwhelming power: in Judas Maccabaeus Handel transforms the Bible story into a gripping musical drama in which triumph and grief, pathos and splendour are closely entwined. In 1747, Handel – a British citizen for the past 20 years – enjoyed an extraordinary success that enthused his adopted country. The oratorio celebrates the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over the Jacobites and the Catholic Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The poignant laments, brilliant choruses and monumental sound architecture are outstanding, portraying the hero as a courageous, determined and at the same time passionate leader – and elevating Handel inexorably to the rank of English national composer. Vocalensemble Rastatt and the period instrument ensemble Les Favorites conducted by Holger Speck roll out the work’s entire emotional and musical might.
With the kind support of GP Günter Papenburg AG