Philistines as chorus. The story is not very
consistent in its outlines, and is fragmentary withal, the narrative of
the child Samuel being the central theme, around which are grouped the
tribulations of Elkanah and Hannah, the service of Eli the priest, the
revels of his profligate sons, and the martial deeds of the Philistines.

The overture opens with a pianissimo prelude for organ in chorale form,
followed by an orchestral fugue well worked up, but very quiet in
character. Indeed, the whole overture is mostly pianissimo. In striking
contrast follows the opening recitative for bass ("Blow ye the Trumpet"),
which is the signal for those instruments, and introduces the first
chorus ("Let us go to pray before the Lord"), beginning with a soft
staccato which gradually works up to a jubilant climax on the words "Make
a joyful Noise." A tenor solo for Elkanah is interwoven with the chorus,
which closes with broad, flowing harmony. The next number, a bass air
with chorus ("Let the People praise Thee"), is somewhat peculiar in its
construction. It begins with the air, which is slow and tender, and at
the close the chorus takes it in canon form. Then Eli intones
benedictions in chorale style, and the chorus responds with "Amens" in
full harmony at the end of each, making a very impressive effect. It is
followed by a very elaborate chorus ("Blessed be the Lord"), closing with
a fugue on the word "Amen," which is very clear and well worked up. The
next number is the sorrowful prayer of the barren and grieving Hannah
("Turn Thee unto me"), which is very expressive in its mournful
supplication, and splendidly contrasted with her joyous song after the
birth of Samuel, of which mention will be made in its proper connection.
Eli rebukes her, and a dialogue ensues, interrupted by the tender chorus,
"The Lord is good." The dialogue form is again renewed, this time by
Elkanah and Hannah, leading to a beautiful duet between them ("Wherefore
is thy Soul cast down?").

The character of the music now changes as we enter upon a long
drinking-chorus, with solos by the two revellers, Hophni and Phinehas
("For everything there is a Season"). The change from the seriousness of
the preceding numbers is very abrupt, and the music of the chorus is
decidedly of the conventional Italian drinking-song character. Eli
appears and rebukes them, and after a cantabile aria ("Thou shouldst mark
Iniquities"), a short chorus of Levites, for tenors and basses