Samson (Handel)
| Samson | |
|---|---|
| Oratorio by George Frideric Handel | |
Theatre at Covent Garden where Samson was first performed | |
| Period | Baroque period |
| Language | English |
| Composed | 1743 |
| Duration | about 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 18 February 1743 |
| Location | Covent Garden in London |
| Performers | John Beard tenor Catherine Clive soprano Susannah Maria Cibber contralto William Savage bass Henry Reinhold bass Christina Maria Avoglio soprano Thomas Lowe tenor |
Samson (HWV 57) is a three-act oratorio from 1743 by George Frideric Handel, considered to be 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.