er
Abbey in 1784, and in 1840 it was revived by the Sacred Harmonic Society
of London, since which time it has occupied an important place in the
oratorio repertory.

The story closely follows the Biblical narrative of the relations between
David and Saul. The words have been attributed both to Jennens and
Marell; but the balance of evidence favors the former,--a poet who lived
at Gopsall. The overture, marked "Symfonie" in the original manuscript,
is the longest of all the Handel introductions. It is in four movements,
the first an allegro, the second a largo (in which the organ is used as a
solo instrument), the third an allegro, and the fourth a minuetto. It is
an exceedingly graceful and delicate prelude, and makes a fitting
introduction to the dramatic story which follows. The characters
introduced are Saul, king of Israel; Jonathan, his son; Abner, captain of
the host; David; the apparition of Samuel; Doeg, a messenger; an
Amalekite; Abiathar, Merab, and Michal, daughters of Saul; the Witch of
Endor; and the Israelites. The very dramatic character of the narrative
admirably adapts it to its division into acts and scenes.

The first act is triumphant in its tone and expressive of the exultation
of the Israelites at their victory over the Philistines. The second gives
a story of the passions,--Saul's jealousy of David, the love of Michal,
and the ardent friendship between David and Jonathan. The last act is
sombre in its character, opening with the weird incantations of the
Witch, and closing with David's grief over Saul and Jonathan.

The first scene opens in the Israelitish camp by the valley of Elah,
where the people join in an Epinicion, or Song of Triumph, over Goliah
and the Philistines. It is made up of a chorus ("How excellent Thy Name,
O Lord"), which is a stirring tribute of praise; an aria ("An Infant
raised by Thy Command"), describing the meeting of David and Goliah; a
trio, in which the Giant is pictured as the "monster atheist," striding
along to the vigorous and expressive music; and three closing choruses
("The Youth inspired by Thee," "How excellent Thy Name," and a jubilant
"Hallelujah"), ending in plain but massive harmony.

The second scene is in Saul's tent. Two bars of recitative prelude an
aria by Michal, Saul's daughter, who reveals her love for David ("O
godlike Youth!"). Abner presents David to Saul, and a dialogue ensues
between them, in which the conqueror announces his origin and Sau