| Georg Friedrich Händel: Theodora HWV 68: Mixed Choir: Vocal ScoreFormat : Sheet music Besides the Messiah Theodora is Handel s only oratorio with a Christian theme. In contrast to the Messiah Theodora which was composed in 1749 and premiered in 1750 in London takes a dramatic plot as its basis. The setting for the action is Antioch during the time of the Emperor Diocletian.The Christians refuse to take part in the heathen sacrificial cult preferring to die a martyr s death. The plot concentrates on the virtuous Theodora whom the Roman governor wants to compel to become a heathen sacrificial victim through forced prostitution. The Roman officer Didymus who is in love with Theodora and hasconverted to Christianity through her rescues her from the Temple of Venus at which point both are sentenced to martyrdom by the governor. Theodora is regarded as Handel s most tender oratorio. The Christians choruses and arias convey muted colours and Theodora s arias are distinguished particularly through their moderate to slow tempi and their vocal inflection lost in reverie. In dramatic contrast with this are the stirring arias of the governor Valens and the choruses of the heathens who pay homage to their gods Jupiter and Venus. As so often Handel borrowed musical material from other composers which he elaborated into expressive arias and choruses here. In particular the final chorus of the oratorio which is similar to that in Bach s St. Matthew Passion in terms of expression is referred to in literature again and again. Handel himself felt that Theodora was his most significant work.- First complete critical edition based on the Urtext of the Halle Handel Edition.- Includes all versions.- Full score (BA4085) & vocal score (BA4085-90) available for sale performance material (BA4085-72 available for hire.
Instrumentation :
Sub-instrumentation :
Publisher : |
Georg Friedrich Händel: Theodora HWV 68: Mixed Choir: Vocal Score
Haendel G.f. - Theodora Hwv 68 - Chant, Piano
Theodora (HAENDEL GEORG FRIEDRICH)