Belshazzar (1745 Haendel / Jennens), oratorio

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Belshazzar (1745) is an oratorio by Georg Frideric Haendel (mus.), and Charles Jennens (libr.).

Abstract

Characters

  • Belshazzar, King of Babylon = tenor
  • Nitocris, mother of Belshazzar = soprano
  • Cyrus = mezzo-soprano
  • Gobrias, an Assyrian Nobleman, revolted to Cyrus = bass
  • Daniel, a Jewish prophet = contralto

Editions, performances

Composed in late Summer 1744, premiered in London [England]: King's Theatre, 27 March 1745.

Performance History

The work fell into neglect after Handel's death, with revivals of the work occurring in the United Kingdom in 1847, 1848 and 1873. With the revival of interest in Baroque music and historically informed musical performance since the 1960s, Belshazzar receives performances in concert form today and is also sometimes fully staged as an opera.

References

  • Smither, 2 (1977) 283-94.

External links