Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus was composed in a period of not much more than a month in 1746. As with thte famous Messiah, use was made of previously composed material and indeed See, the Conquering Hero Comes! was grafted from another oratorio about Joshua. The oratorio tells of the exploits of Judah Maccabee, a hero from Jewish sacred history who was victorious in battles against their pagan enemies. This arrangement of See, the Conquering Hero Comes! will bring a great sense of ceremony to any concert.
