The Whitehall Choir continues its journey through Handel’s oratorios with one of his later works, the highly dramatic Joshua.
The excitement of the battles, accompanied by a large orchestra, including trumpets, horns and timpani, is contrasted with the calm and beautiful music written for a love story between Othniel (Joshua’s son) and Achsah (Caleb’s daughter).
Joshua is one of Handel’s shortest oratorios and was written in just a month, in 1747, to a libretto by Thomas Morell. Following the Jacobite rebellion in England, Handel produced a number of oratorios based on military themes which were very popular at the time, capturing the public mood. The first performance was given in Covent Garden Theatre. The popular and rousing chorus “See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes” was first written for Joshua and later inserted into Judas Maccabaeus as well!
Conducted by the choir’s dynamic new Music Director Joanna Tomlinson, alongside top professional baroque players and soloists, this promises to be an exciting and energetic evening, not to be missed.
See our introductory film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p0zddSYtto&t=9s