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Joshua (HWV 64) is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel. It was composed in a month, between 19 July 1747 and 19 August 1747, six months before the beginning of the oratorio season, and is Handel's fourth oratorio based on a libretto by Thomas Morell. The oratorio premiered on 9 March 1748 at the Covent Garden Theatre, London. Joshua is based on the Biblical story of Joshua as the leader of the Children of Israel. The story follows the Israelites from their passage over the Jordan River into Caanan and through the Battle of Jericho. The work also includes a fictitious love story between Achsah, Caleb's daughter and Othniel, a young soldier.
Contents
- Dramatis personae
- Instrumentation
- Part One
- Part Two
- Part Three
- Notable Performances
- Notable Recordings
- References
Joshua is one of Handel's later works, from the height of his late creative period. It was the fourth oratorio Handel had written within the span of twenty months. Following the Jacobite Rising in England, Handel produced a series of English oratorios based on military themes: Occasional Oratorio, Judas Maccabaeus, Alexander Balus, Joshua, and Solomon. With these compositions, Handel brought to prominence the English oratorio, combining religious themes and England's native tongue. Joshua was one of his shortest oratorios, containing no genuine overture, only a brief orchestral movement simply titled, "Introduction." Joshua also included at least five pieces borrowed from other Handel compositions. Part one was completed on 30 July 1747, Part two on 8 August and Part three on 19 August.
Contrary to the popular style of monody, Handel's oratorios enhanced the role of the chorus in the drama. Handel's second-most-famous chorus, "See the Conq'ring Hero Comes" was first penned for Joshua. It was an immensely popular number and Handel soon added it to Judas Maccabaeus, which had premiered the season before. The chorus is more often thought of in connection with that oratorio (Judas) because of its relatively greater fame.
Dramatis personae
Original 1749 cast:
Instrumentation
The original Baroque instruments used would have been:
Most of the arias in this piece are accompanied by strings, oboe and continuo, while the recitatives are sung only with continuo accompaniment. In early performances, the continuo part would have been played by a harpsichord player. The Part One aria 'Hark! Tis the linnet' features a traversa solo which acts as the song bird melody that Achsah then sings about. Timpani, tromba and corno are utilized during the more militaristic movements.
Part One
Part One- The Children of Israel celebrate the end of their journey over the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan, praising God for his blessings and Joshua for his leadership. An angel appears to Joshua and appoints him to lead an army against Jericho. Joshua prepares his soldiers for the attack. Othniel, one of Joshua's warriors, is betrothed to Achsah and readies himself to part from his love and go into battle with Joshua.
Part Two
Joshua and his army destroy the mighty city of Jericho and then celebrated the Feast of the Passover. The army gets word of the defeat of Israel at Ai and Joshua gathers his men to renew their attacks. Othniel calls upon Achsah, but Caleb, her father, dismisses him, telling him to go join the war in the defense of Israel's allies. Miraculously, the sun and moon stay their courses, allowing the Israelites to continue fighting until they arise victorious.
Part Three
With the fighting over, Joshua is again lauded as a great leader. He then gives Caleb the land which had been promised to him by Moses. Caleb pledges his daughter's hand to whoever can conquer the City of Debir. Othniel rises to the occasion and asks God to guide him to success. He returns triumphant and Achsah praises God protecting her beloved. The people raise their thanksgivings to God for their prosperity and deliverance.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Notable Performances
The first revival of Joshua occurred in 1752. Before the performance Handel cut the first aria entitled "O first in wisdom." He also expanded the overture by adding the fugue and courante from Solomon. For another performance in 1754, Handel again cut the first aria, but then added five more five pieces, including four arias and one recitative. Joshua was performed in Salisbury in 1754. It was performed again in 1756 during a three-day Handel festival and in London in 1755 and 1759. Other noteworthy performances include: