Esther HWV 50a

The oratorio “Esther” is the first English language oratorio and also the first oratorio by Handel based on a theatre tragedy - Jean Racine’s “Esther”. For the first time Handel drew on his knowledge gathered from stays in Germany, Italy and England. He created his own particular style of oratorio writing, which differs from the later integrative works. Many sections of this composition harken back to the previously composed, “Brockes-Passion”.

The first performance took place in 1720. For the first public performance of the work in London in 1732, Handel arranged and enlarged “Esther”. The Urtext of the HalleHandel Complete Edition presents the original version from 1720.

- Reliable vocal score from the Urtext of the Halle Handel Edition BA4047-90

- Performance material available for hire BA4047-72