Saul

The oratorio *Saul* was composed by the famous German-British composer George Frideric Handel in 1738. The English-language dramatic work was based on the biblical story of King Saul found in the Old Testament.

Handel notably incorporated a carillon into the orchestration for *Saul*, making it the first major classical work to feature the keyboard instrument. He included this unique bell-like instrument in the grand symphony that celebrates Israel's victory over the Ammonites.

The oratorio dramatizes the deeply tragic biblical story of the jealousy and eventual downfall of Israel's first king, King Saul. It specifically focuses on his toxic jealousy of the young shepherd David following David's victory over Goliath.

Handel's *Saul* premiered at the King's Theatre in London in 1739. The composer heavily revised the score to ensure the large-scale orchestration would perfectly fit the specific acoustic demands of the venue.