Samson, a Sacred Oratorio in Score - Handel, George Frideric 1685-1759; Hamilton, Newburgh 1691-1761 (London Arnold, 1789)
Samson (HWV 57) is a three-act oratorio by George Frideric Handel, considered one of his finest dramatic works. It is usually performed as an oratorio in concert form, but on occasions has also been staged as an opera. The well-known arias "Let the bright Seraphim" (for soprano), "Total eclipse" (for tenor) and "Let their celestial concerts" (the final chorus) are often performed separately in concert.
It uses a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton, who based it on John Milton's Samson Agonistes, which in turn was based on the figure Samson in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges.
Ex libris W. Bawtree (plate) & S.R. Maitland (plate)
The Words Taken from Milton, the Musick Composed in the Year 1742
Keywords: Milton, John -- 1608-1674; 18th Century (1701-1800); Oratorio; Old Testament; London (United Kingdom)