Samson, HWV 57 (Handel, George Frideric)

Contents

Performances

Recordings

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MP3 file (audio)
Carolus (2017/7/2)

Performer Pages A Far Cry (ensemble)
Publisher Info. Boston: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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Dbmiller (2019/7/12)

Publisher Info. Decca, 1960
Performers Dame Joan Sutherland (soprano)
Harry Dilley (trumpet)
Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra
Francesco Molinari-Pradelli (conductor)
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Misc. Notes Recorded August 1960 at Kingsway Hall, London.
Producer: James Walker
Balance engineer: Kenneth Wilkinson
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FLAC file (audio)
Dbmiller (2019/7/12)

Publisher Info. Decca, 1964
Performers Dame Joan Sutherland (soprano)
New Symphony Orchestra of London
Richard Bonynge (conductor)
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Misc. Notes Recorded June 1963 at Kingsway Hall, London.
Producer: Christopher Raeburn
Balance engineers: Arthur Lilley and Arthur Bannister
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Naxos

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Accompaniments

For Piano

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Free Pianist (2019/8/17)

Performer Pages Héctor Valls (piano)
Publisher Info. Héctor Valls
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Misc. Notes Piano accompaniment only in E minor
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Synthesized/MIDI

Aria: Let the Bright Seraphim (Act III, Sc.3)

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Michrond (2018/10/7)

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Michrond (2014/6/27)

Publisher Info. Michel Rondeau
Performers MIDI
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Misc. Notes These file(s) are part of the Werner Icking Music Collection.
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Sheet Music

Scores

Complete

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Irishmaestro (2013/5/8)

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Alaric (2022/2/19)

Editor First edition
Publisher. Info. London: John Walsh, n.d.[1743].
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Misc. Notes Sibley Music Library, Rochester (US-R): RISM A/I: H 831
This file is part of the Sibley Mirroring Project.
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Ivdruiz (2008/7/13)

Editor Friedrich Chrysander (1826-1901)
Publisher. Info. Georg Friedrich Händels Werke. Band 10
Leipzig: Deutsche Händelgesellschaft, 1861. Plate H.W. 10.
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Alaric (2022/2/19)

Editor Friedrich Chrysander (1826-1901)
Publisher. Info. Georg Friedrich Händels Werke. Band 10
Leipzig: Deutsche Händelgesellschaft, 1861. Plate H.W. 10.
Reprinted New York: E.F. Kalmus, n.d.(1933–70). Catalog A2303
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Selections

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Irishmaestro (2013/5/5)

Editor First edition
Publisher. Info. London: John Walsh, n.d.[1743].
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Misc. Notes Original exemplar once owned by Vincent Novello.
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Parts

Complete

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Alaric (2022/2/19)

15 more: Flute 2 • Oboe 1 • Oboe 2 • Horn 1 • Horn 2 • Trumpet 1* • Trumpet 2* • Trombone 1 • Trombone 2 • Trombone 3 • Timpani* • Violins I • Violins II • Violas • Cellos and Basses

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Alaric (2022/2/19)

Publisher. Info. London: Novello, n.d.(ca.1870).
Reprinted New York: E.F. Kalmus, n.d.(1933–70). Catalog A2303
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Misc. Notes *Trumpets reprinted from a German edition, Timpani reprinted from manuscript.
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Selections

PDF typeset by editor
Michael Swope (2012/4/3)

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Michael Swope (2012/4/4)

Editor Michael Swope
Publisher. Info. Michael Swope
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Misc. Notes Typically played on Natural Trumpet or Piccolo Trumpet.
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Vocal Scores

Complete

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Fynnjamin (2014/10/20)

Arranger John Clarke-Whitfeld (1770-1836), keyboard reduction
Language English
Publisher. Info. London: S. J. Button & J. Whitaker, n.d.(1808-14).
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Pianoman121 (2019/6/19)

Language French
Translator Édouard Rodrigues (1796–1878), French text
Publisher. Info. Paris: Richault, n.d.(ca.1847). Plate 9743 R.
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Vangi (2013/10/11)

Arranger François-Auguste Gevaert (1828-1908), piano reduction
Language French
Translator Gustave Lagye (1843–1908), French text
Publisher. Info. Paris: Henry Lemoine et Cie., 1910. Plate 20587 HL.
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Selections

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RCM Library (2021/5/11)

Publisher. Info. Manuscript, n.d.(ca.1700s).
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Misc. Notes Royal College of Music Library, London (GB-Lcm): MS 822/24
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RCM Library (2021/5/11)

Publisher. Info. Manuscript, n.d.(ca.1700s).
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Misc. Notes Royal College of Music Library, London (GB-Lcm): MS 822/25
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IgorCello (2018/11/25)

Publisher. Info. New York: Firth & Hall, n.d.(1821-40).
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Misc. Notes Original key (D major)
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Massenetique (2011/11/6)

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Massenetique (2011/11/6)

Editor Ebenezer Prout (1835-1909)
Publisher. Info. Songs and Airs of G.F. Handel, Vol.I: High Voice (pp.117-24)
Boston: Oliver Ditson Co., 1905. Plate ML-1100, 1101.
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Massenetique (2011/11/7)

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Massenetique (2011/11/7)

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Massenetique (2011/11/7)

Editor Ebenezer Prout (1835-1909)
Publisher. Info. Songs and Airs of G.F. Handel, Vol.II: Low Voice (pp.116-31)
Boston: Oliver Ditson Co., 1905. Plate ML-1140-1142.
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Arrangements and Transcriptions

Selections

For Organ (Best)

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Keanur (2017/5/31)

5 more: 30. Then round about the starry Throne • 50. Honour and arms scorn such a foe • 60. Fix'd in his everlasting seat • 81. Symphony: Dead March • 87. Let their celestial concerts

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Keanur (2017/5/29)

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Keanur (2017/9/5)

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Keanur (2017/6/1)

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Keanur (2017/5/29)

Arranger William Thomas Best (1826-1897)
Publisher. Info. Arrangements from the Scores of the Great Masters, Vol.1, 3
London: Novello, Ewer & Co., n.d. Plate 2229.
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For Piano solo (Rimbault)

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Timtin (2012/9/5)

Arranger Edward Francis Rimbault (1816-1876)
Publisher. Info. London: D'Almaine and Co., n.d.(ca.1850). Plate 13,427.
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Overture (Act I, No.1)

For Orchestra (Prout)

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Tkightley (2018/1/18)

8 more: Oboe 1/2 • Clarinet 1/2 (C) • Bassoon 1/2 • Horn 1/2 (G) • Violins I • Violins II • Violas • Cellos/Basses

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Tkightley (2018/1/18)

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Tkightley (2018/1/18)

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Tkightley (2018/1/18)

Arranger Ebenezer Prout (1835-1909)
Publisher. Info. London: Novello & Company Ltd., n.d. Plate 6008.
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Misc. Notes Handel's original did not include clarinets, flutes or bassoons, though flutes often doubled oboes and bassoons reinforced the bass line.
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For Harpsichord or Organ (Anonymous)

PDF typeset by editor
editor (2011/9/29)

Editor Pierre Gouin - Contact
Publisher. Info. Montréal: Les Éditions Outremontaises, 2011
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Misc. Notes These file(s) are part of the Werner Icking Music Collection. No.44 in Handel’s Sixty Overtures from all his Operas and Oratorios Set for the Harpsichord or Organ
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For Organ (Parkhurst)

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Icactus (2012/4/23)

Arranger Howard Elmore Parkhurst (1848-1916)
Publisher. Info. New York: Carl Fischer, 1913. Plate 15924.
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For Guitar (Tárrega)

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Town explorer (2023/3/2)

Arranger Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Publisher. Info. Holograph manuscript, n.d.
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Stefan Apke (2017/10/9)

Arranger Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Publisher. Info. Barcelona: Vidal Llimona y Boceta, n.d.[1906]. Plate V.Ll. y B. 1034.
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Misc. Notes Biblioteca Nacional de España, MC/3763/41
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Stefan Apke (2017/5/13)

Arranger Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Editor Stefan Apke (b. 1963)
Publisher. Info. Vlotho: Stefan Apke, 2017.
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Misc. Notes Transposed to D major.
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Chorus: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound (Act I, Sc.1, No.3)

For Piano (Alkan)

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Mattheson78 (2012/6/12)

Arranger Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813-1888)
Editor Elie Miriam Delaborde (1839–1913)
Isidor Philipp (1863–1958)
Publisher. Info. Paris: Richault, n.d. Plate 15477.R.
Reprinted Paris: Costallat & Cie., n.d.(ca.1910). - edited
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Aria: Why does the God of Israel sleep? (Act I, Sc.3, No.23)

For Violin, Viola and Cello (Moser)
See: Posthumous Trios

Then round about the starry throne? (Act I, Sc.3, No.30)

For Male Chorus and Piano (Woodworth)

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Feduol (2023/11/21)

Arranger G. Wallace Woodworth (1902-1969)
Publisher. Info. The Concord Series: Harvard University Glee Club Collection of Part Songs for Men's Voices, No.907
Boston: E.C. Schirmer Music Co., 1926. Plate E.C.S. No.240.
Copyright
Misc. Notes This file is part of the Indianapolis Maennerchor Archive.
This item, which is in the public domain in its country of origin, is likewise in the public domain in countries which apply the rule of the shorter term. All EU countries apply the rule of the shorter term in general.
Note that in some cases this rule may be overridden by a treaty with the source country (especially the United States) and/or may not apply to works which fell into the public domain in their source country due to a failure to renew copyright or comply with other formalities.
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Chorus: Fix'd in his everlasting seat (Act II, Sc.4, No.60)

For Piano 4 Hands (Czerny)

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Notenquetser (2015/3/27)

Arranger Carl Czerny (1791-1857)
Publisher. Info. Sechs Große Chöre von Händel
Bonn: N. Simrock, n.d. Plate 3418.
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Misc. Notes End of Part II.
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Aria: Let the Bright Seraphim (Act III, Sc.3)

For Voice and Orchestra (Prout?)

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Alaric (2022/2/19)

9 more: Clarinet 2 (B♭) • Bassoon 1 • Bassoon 2 • Trumpet (B♭) • Violins I • Violins II • Violas • Cellos • Basses

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Publisher. Info. London: Novello, n.d.
Reprinted New York: E.F. Kalmus, n.d.(1933–70). Catalog A2855
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Misc. Notes Original key (D major). Wind parts are reprinted from manuscript. Original instrumentation was for trumpet, strings and continuo.
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For Wind Band and Percussion (Rondeau)

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Michrond (2018/10/7)

Arranger Michel Rondeau (b. 1948)
Publisher. Info. Michel Rondeau, 2018.
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Misc. Notes These file(s) are part of the Werner Icking Music Collection.
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For Voice, Trumpet and Organ (Rondeau)

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Chorus: Let their celestial concerts all unite (Act III, Sc.3)

For Male Chorus and Piano (Davison)

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Feduol (2023/9/26)

Arranger Archibald Thompson Davison (1883-1961)
Publisher. Info. The Concord Series: Harvard University Glee Club Collection of Part Songs for Men's Voices, No.39
Boston: E.C. Schirmer Music Co., 1923. Plate E.C.S. No.39.
Copyright
Misc. Notes This file is part of the Indianapolis Maennerchor Archive.
This item, which is in the public domain in its country of origin, is likewise in the public domain in countries which apply the rule of the shorter term. All EU countries apply the rule of the shorter term in general.
Note that in some cases this rule may be overridden by a treaty with the source country (especially the United States) and/or may not apply to works which fell into the public domain in their source country due to a failure to renew copyright or comply with other formalities.
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General Information

Work Title Samson
Alternative. Title Samson an oratorio
Name Translations Handel Oratorij Samson; Sansón; Sansone; Самсон; サムソン (ヘンデル); 參孙; 參孫
Name Aliases Sanson; Samson (oratorio); Samson (Handel); 參孫 (韓德爾); 參孫 (神劇)
Authorities WorldCat; Wikipedia; VIAF: 1146708038800841599; LCCN: no2005090440; GND: 300065655; BNF: 13913107r
Composer Handel, George Frideric
Opus/Catalogue NumberOp./Cat. No. HWV 57
I-Catalogue NumberI-Cat. No. IGH 433
Movements/SectionsMov'ts/Sec's 3 acts
Act I.
1. Overture
  • Scene 1
2. Recitative (Samson): This day, a solemn feast to Dagon held
Chorus of Philistines: Awake the trumpet's lofty sound!
3. Air (Philistine Woman): Ye men of Gaza, hither bring
Chorus: Awake the trumpet's lofty sound!
4. Air (Philistine): Loud as the thunder's awful voice
5. Air (Philistine Woman): Then free from sorrow, free from thrall
Chorus (reprise): Awake the trumpet's lofty sound!
6. Recitative (Samson): Why by an angel was my birth foretold
Air (Samson): Torments, alas, are not confin'd
  • Scene 2
7. Recitative (Micah): Oh, change beyond report, thought, or belief!
Air (Micah): Oh, mirror of our fickle state!
8. Recitative (Samson, Micah): Whom have I to complain of but myself
Air (Samson): Total eclipse! No sun, no moon!
13. Accompagnato (Micah): Since light so necessary is to life
14. Chorus of Israelites: O first created beam!
15. Recitative (Samson, Micah, Manoah)
Samson. Ye see, my friends
Micah. The wisest men have err'd, and been deceiv'd
Samson. Oh that I had! Alas, fond wish, too late!

Micah. Here comes thy rev'rend sire, old Manoah
Samson. Alas! Another grief that name awakes.
  • Scene 3
Manoah. Brethren and men of Dan, say, where is my son?
Micah. As signal now in low dejected state
16. Accompagnato (Manoah): Oh, miserable change!
17. Recitative (Israelitish Man): Oh, ever failing trust
18. Air (Israelitish Man): God of our fathers, what is man?
19. Accompagnato (Manoah): The good we wish for, often proves our bane
20. Air (Manoah): Thy glorious deeds inspir'd my tongue
21. Recitative (Samson, Manoah)
Samson: Justly these evils have befalI'n thy son
Manoah: Worse yet remains.

Samson: This have I done
22. Accompagnato (Samson): My griefs for this
23. Air (Samson): Why does the God of lsrael sleep?
24. Recitative (Micah): There lies our hope!
25. Chorus of Israelites: Then shall they know
26. Recitative (Manoah, Samson)
Manoah. For thee, my dearest son
Samson. It should be so, to expiate my crime

Manoah. Be for thy fate contrite

Samson. Why should I live?
27. Accompagnato (Samson): My genial spirits droop
28. Recitative (Micah): Then long eternity
29. Air (Micah): Joys that are pure
30. Chorus of Israelites: Then round about the starry throne
Act II.
  • Scene 1
31. Recitative (Manoah, Samson)
Manoah. Despair not thus!
Samson. Where'er the liquid brook or fountain
Manoah. Trust yet in God!
32. Air (Manoah): Just are the ways of God to man
33. Recitative (Samson, Micah)
Samson. My evils hopeless are!
Micah. Relieve Thy champion

34. Air and Chorus (Micah, Israelites)
Micah. Return, O God of hosts! Behold
Israelites. To dust his glory they would tread,

  • Scene 2
35. Recitative (Samson, Micah, Dalila)
Micah. But who is this, that so bedeck'd and gay
Samson. My wife, my traitress?
Micah. She stands, and eyes thee fix'd
Dalila. With doubtful feet, and wav'ring resolution
Samson. Out, thou hyæna!
Dalila. I would not lessen my offence, yet beg
Samson. How cunningly the sorceress displays
36. Air (Philistine Woman / Dalila): With plaintive notes
37. Recitative (Dalila, Samson)
Dalila. Alas! Th'event was worse than I foresaw
Samson. Did love constrain thee? No, 'twas raging lust!
38. Air (Samson): Your charms to ruin led the way
39. Recitative (Dalila): Forgive what's done
40. Air and Duet (Dalila, Philistine Woman)
Dalila. My faith and truth, O Samson, prove,
Philistine Woman. Her faith and truth
41a. Chorus of Virgins: Her faith and truth
42. Air (Dalila): To fleeting pleasures
41b. Chorus of Virgins: Her faith and truth
Air (Dalila): How charming is domestic ease!
41c. Chorus of Virgins: Her faith and truth
43. Recitative (Samson, Dalila)
Samson. Ne'er think of that!
Dalila. Let me approach, at least
Samson. Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake
Dalila. Thou art more deaf to pray'rs
44. Duet (Dalila, Samson): Traitor to love! I'll sue no more
  • Scene 3
45. Recitative (Micah, Samson)
Micah. She's gone!
Samson. So let her go!
46. Air (Micah): It is not virtue, valour, wit
47. Recitative (Samson): Favour'd of heaven is he
48. Chorus of Israelites: To man God's universal law
  • Scene 4
49. Recitative (Micah, Harapha, Samson)
Micah. No words of peace
Harapha. I come not, Samson, to condole thy chance
Samson. The way to know. were not to see
Harapha. Ha! Dost thou then already single me?
Samson. Boast not of what thou would'st have done
Harapha. The honour certain to have won from thee
50. Air (Harapha): Honour and arms
51. Recitative (Samson): Put on your arms
52. Air (Samson): My strength is from the living God
53. Recitative (Harapha, Samson)
Harapha.With thee, a man condemn'd
Samson. Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster?
Harapha. O Dagon! Can I hear this insolence
54. Duet (Samson, Harapha): Go, baffled coward; Presume not on thy God
55. Recitative (Micah): Here lies the proof
56. Chorus of Israelites: Hear, Jacob's God, Jehovah, hear!
57. Recitative (Harapha): Dagon, arise, attend thy sacred feast!
58. Air (A Philistine): To song and dance we give the day
59. Chorus of Philistines: To song and dance we give the day
60. Chorus of Israelites and Philistines: Fix'd in his everlasting seat
Act II.
  • Scene 1
61. Recitative (Micah, Samson, Harapha)
Micah. More trouble is behind
Samson. I fear him not, nor all his giant brood
Harapha. Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say
Samson. I am an Hebrew
Harapha. This answer will offend
Samson. Myself, my conscience and intemal peace!
Harapha. My message, giv'n with speed
62. Air (Harapha): Presuming slave, to move their wrath!
63. Recitative (Micah, Samson)
Micah. Reflect then. Samson
Samson. Shall I abuse this consecrated gift
Micah. How thou wilt here come
64. Chorus of Israelites: With thunder arm'd, great God, arise!
65. Recitative (Samson, Micah, Harapha)
Samson. Be of good courage
Micah. In time thou hast resolv'd
Harapha. Samson, this second summons send our lords
Samson. Vain were their art if tried
Harapha. You thus may win the lords
Samson. In nothing I'll comply that's scandalous
Micah. So may'st thou act as serves His glory best
Samson. Let but that spirit
66. Accompagnato (Samson): Then shall I make Jehovah's glory
67. Air (Samson): Thus when the sun from's wat'ry bed
68. Accompagnato (Micah): With might endu'd above the sons of men
69. Air and Chorus (Micah): The Holy One of Israel be thy guide
  • Scene 2
70. Recitative (Micah, Manoah)
Micah. Old Manoah, with youthful steps
Manoah. I come, my brethren
71. Air (Philistine): Great Dagon has subdu'd our foe
72. Chorus of Philistines: Great Dagon has subdu'd our foe
73. Recitative (Manoah, Micah)
Manoah. What noise of joy was that?
Micah. They shout and sing
Manoah. Could my inheritance but ransom him
Micah. Sons care to nurse
74. Air (Manoah): How willing my paternal love
75. Recitative (Micah, Manoah)
Micah. Your hopes of his deliv'ry seem not vain
Manoah. I know your friendly minds
76. Chorus of Philistines: Hear us, our God! Oh, hear our cry!
77. Recitative (Micah, Manoah)
Micah. Noise call you this?
Manoah. Ruin indeed!
Micah. Thy son is rather slaying them

  • Scene 3
78. Recitative (Messenger, Micah, Manoah)
Messenger. Where shall I run
Micah. The accident was loud
Messenger. Let me recover breath
Manoah. Tell us the sum (etc.)
79. Air and Chorus (Micah, Israelites): Ye sons of lsrael, now lament,
80. Recitative (Manoah): Proceed we hence to find his body
81. Symphony: Dead March
82. Recitative (Micah, Manoah)
Micah. The body comes
Manoah. There shall all IsraeI's valiant youth resort
83. Air and Chorus (Manoah, Israelites): Glorious hero, may thy grave
84. Solo and Chorus (Israelite Woman, Virgins)
Israelite Woman. The virgins too shall on their feastful days
Virgins. Bring the laurels, bring the bays,
85. Recitative (Manoah, Micah)
Manoah. Come, come! No time for lamentation now
Micah. Why should we weep or wail
86. Air (Israelite Woman): Let the bright seraphim
87. Chorus of Israelites: Let their celestial concerts all unite
Year/Date of CompositionY/D of Comp. 1741-42
First Performance. 1743-02-18 in London, Covent Garden
Cast, Chorus, Orchestra, George Frideric Handel (conductor)
First Publication. 1743 - London: Walsh
Librettist Newburgh Hamilton (1691-1761)
after John Milton's dramatic poem, Samson Agonistes
Language English
Composer Time PeriodComp. Period Baroque
Piece Style Baroque
Instrumentation voices, chorus, orchestra
InstrDetail
Cast
Samson (tenor)
Dalila, Wife of Samson (soprano)
Micah, Friend to Samson (alto)
Manoah, Father to Samson (bass)
Harapha, a Giant (bass)
Philistine Woman, attendant to Dalila (soprano)
Israelitish Woman (soprano)
Philistine (tenor)
Israelitish Man (tenor)
Messenger (tenor)

Mixed Chorus

Choruses of Israelites, Philistines, Virgins

Orchestra

2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons
2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, timpani, strings, continuo
External Links Wikipedia article
Complete libretto
Scores at Sheet Music Plus