description Deborah Overview
Deborah is an English-language oratorio by George Frideric Handel, first performed in London in 1733. Its subject is the biblical judge and prophet Deborah, who leads the Israelites during a conflict with the Canaanite army. Handel wrote the work for a substantial cast of soloists, chorus, and orchestra, and its large forces reflect the scale of the public performances for which it was composed.
help Deborah FAQ
What story does Handel's Deborah tell?
The oratorio follows the prophetess and judge Deborah, the Israelite commander Barak, and the Canaanite general Sisera. The Israelites win the conflict, and Jael kills Sisera while he sleeps in her tent. [Deborah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_(Handel))
When was Handel's Deborah first performed?
Deborah premiered on March 17, 1733, at the King's Theatre in London. Handel wrote it for an English-language season featuring singers associated with Italian opera. [George Frideric Handel work list](https://gfhandel.org/handel/worklist/43to100.html)
Why does Deborah sound unusually grand for an early English oratorio?
The score uses large choruses, including passages divided into eight vocal parts, along with prominent trumpets and drums. Handel also reused music from several earlier compositions. [Deborah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_(Handel))
Who wrote the text for Deborah?
The libretto was written by Samuel Humphreys and draws on the biblical Book of Judges, especially Judges chapters 4 and 5. Those chapters provide the conflict involving Deborah, Barak, Sisera, and Jael. [IMSLP](https://imslp.org/wiki/Deborah%2C_HWV_51_(Handel%2C_George_Frideric))
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