Israel in Egypt, HWV 54 - Handel, George Frideric

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"An oratorio on the grand scale with the chorus (often in 8 parts) being more prominent than in many other oratorios.<br>"

⌛ Period → Baroque

◈ Genre / Form Oratorios

◆ Difficulty

Expert (Grade 6-8)

¶ Language → English

Instruments Orchestra

Pages 36

CPDL # 9559

Editor Michael Gibson

Posted 2005-09-15

License CPDL License

¶Lyrics / Text

'''Part I, Exodus''' ''1. Recitative (tenor)'' Now there arose a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph; and he set over Israel taskmasters to afflict them with burdens, and they made them serve with rigour. ''2. Alto Solo and Double Chorus'' And the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and their cry came unto God. They oppressed them with burthens, and made them serve with rigour; and their cry came up unto God. ''3. Recitative (tenor)'' Then sent he Moses, His servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen; these shew’d his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. He turned their waters into blood: ''4. Chorus'' They loathed to drink of the river; He turned their waters into blood. ''5. Alto solo'' Their land brought forth frogs, yea even in their king's chambers. He gave their cattle over to the pestilence; blotches and blains broke forth on man and beast. ''6. Double chorus'' He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies and lice in all their quarters. He spake, and the locusts came without number, and devoured the fruits of the ground. ''7. Double chorus'' He gave them hailstones for rain; fire mingled with the hail ran along upon the ground. ''8. Chorus'' He sent a thick darkness over all the land, even darkness which might be felt. ''9. Chorus'' He smote all the first-born of Egypt, the chief of all their strength. ''10. Chorus'' But as for his people, he led them forth like sheep: He brought them out with silver and gold; there was not one feeble person among their tribes. ''11. Chorus'' Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them fell upon them. ''12. Double chorus'' He rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up. ''13. Double chorus'' He led them through the deep as through a wilderness. ''14. Double chorus'' But the waters overwhelmed their enemies, there was not one of them left. ''15. Double chorus'' And Israel saw that great work that the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord. ''

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