Judas Maccabaeus (Handel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Judas Maccabaeus |
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| Oratorio by George Frideric Handel | |
Handel portrayed by Balthasar Denner, 1729
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| Catalogue | HWV 63 |
| Year | 1746 |
| Text | by Thomas Morell |
| Language | English |
| Based on | 1 Maccabees |
| Performed | 1 April 1747: London Royal Opera House |
| Movements | 68 |
Judas Maccabaeus (HWV 63) is a special kind of musical story called an oratorio. It was written in 1746 by the famous composer George Frideric Handel. The words, or libretto, were written by Thomas Morell.
Handel created this oratorio to celebrate the victory of Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. The prince had just returned from a big battle called the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Contents
The Story of Judas Maccabaeus
The story of Judas Maccabaeus comes from an old book called 1 Maccabees. It also uses ideas from another ancient text, Jewish Antiquities.
The oratorio tells a story from around 170-160 BC. At that time, a powerful empire called the Seleucid Empire ruled the land of Judea. They wanted to destroy the Jewish religion. Many Jewish people were forced to worship the Greek god Zeus.
But some people refused. An old priest named Mattathias bravely fought back. He killed a fellow Jew who was about to offer a pagan sacrifice. After destroying a pagan altar, Mattathias went into the hills. He gathered others who were ready to fight for their faith.
Handel's music helps us feel the different emotions of the Jewish people. It shows their sadness, their hope, and their joy as their fight for freedom continues.
Part 1: A Call to Arms
In the first part, the people are sad because their leader, Mattathias, has died. But his son, Simon, tries to make them feel hopeful again. He tells them to get ready to fight (in the song Arm, arm, ye brave).
Simon's brother, Judas Maccabaeus, becomes the new leader. He inspires everyone with ideas of freedom and victory. He reminds them that they can win with the help of God.
Part 2: Facing New Dangers
The people have won some battles, and they are happy. But Judas worries that they might become too proud. Then, they hear bad news: a Seleucid commander named Gorgias is planning to attack them. The people become sad and worried again (in the song Ah! wretched Israel!).
Once more, Judas encourages them (with Sound an alarm). He insists that they must destroy the pagan altars and fight against false religions.
Part 3: Victory and Peace
Finally, the Jewish people achieve a great victory (celebrated in the famous song See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!). News arrives that the powerful Roman Empire wants to be friends with Judas and help them against the Seleucid Empire.
The people are overjoyed that peace has finally come to their land (in the song O lovely peace).
First Performance and Popularity
The first time Judas Maccabaeus was performed was on April 1, 1747. It took place at the Royal Opera House in London. The oratorio quickly became one of Handel's most loved works.
The main singers in that first show included:
- Judas: John Beard (a tenor singer)
- Israelite man: Caterina Galli (a mezzo-soprano singer)
- Israelite woman: Elisabetta de Gambarini (a soprano singer)
- Simon, brother to Judas: Thomas Reinhold (a bass singer)
- Eupolemus, Jewish ambassador to Rome: Thomas Reinhold (a bass singer)
The very popular song See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes! was actually written for another of Handel's oratorios, called Joshua. But it became so popular that Handel added it to Judas Maccabaeus around 1751. So, you can hear it in both musical stories!
How the Music Was Published
After Handel passed away, the music for Judas Maccabaeus was printed in London by William Randall. Later, in 1866, the oratorio was translated into German. It became part of a big collection of all of Handel's works.
Other Versions and Uses
Different Orchestration
Some people think that the famous composer Mozart might have changed the music for Judas Maccabaeus. This would have been to update Handel's original sounds. It's similar to how Mozart updated Handel's Messiah. However, we aren't completely sure if Mozart actually did this version of Judas Maccabaeus.
Changes During Difficult Times
During a difficult historical period, some people tried to change the words of the oratorio. This was done so that Handel's music could be performed without any connection to Jewish culture.
The Famous Song: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
The song See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes! from the third act has been used in many different ways.
In Britain during the 1800s, this tune was often played by brass bands. You might have heard it when new railway lines or stations were opened.
Ludwig van Beethoven even wrote twelve variations for piano and cello based on this tune in 1796. Later, Henry Wood used the tune in his Fantasia on British Sea Songs (1905). This piece is still played regularly at the Last Night of the Proms, a famous concert in Britain.
The melody is also used as a hymn tune for church songs. It's often heard with a German Christmas song called "Tochter Zion, freue dich". It's also used for an Easter hymn called "Thine Be the Glory".
The Instruments Used
When Judas Maccabaeus was first performed, Handel used many different instruments. These included:
- String instruments like violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
- Woodwind instruments such as recorders, oboes, and flutes.
- Brass instruments like horns and trumpets.
- Other instruments like bassoons, timpani (drums), organ, and keyboard.
The Characters in the Story
Here are the main characters, or "dramatis personae," in Judas Maccabaeus:
- Judas Maccabaeus (sung by a tenor)
- Simon, his Brother (sung by a bass)
- Israelitish Woman (sung by a soprano)
- Israelitish Man (sung by a mezzo-soprano)
- Eupolemus, the Jewish Ambassador to Rome (sung by an alto)
- First Messenger (sung by an alto)
- Second Messenger (sung by a bass)
- Chorus of Israelites (a group of singers)
- Chorus of Youths (a group of young singers)
- Chorus of Virgins (a group of young female singers)
See also
- List of oratorios by George Frideric Handel
