g the
death of the father of Judas in the sorrowful chorus, "Mourn, ye
afflicted Children," which, after a duet for soprano and tenor, is
followed by still another chorus in a similar strain ("For Zion
Lamentation make"), but much more impressive, and rising to a more
powerful climax. After a brief and simple soprano solo ("Pious Orgies"),
the chorus sings the prayer, "O Father, whose Almighty Power," closing
with a characteristic fugue on the words, "And grant a Leader." After a
short recitative, Simon (bass) breaks out in the heroic and sonorous
aria, "Arm, arm, ye brave," which has always retained its popularity,
notwithstanding its antique bravura. It is followed by the chorus in the
brief, but stirring number, "We come in bright array." Five arias, a
duet, and two choruses, nearly all of which are now omitted in
performances, being of the same general character, and mainly apostrophes
to liberty, lead to the great chorus closing the first part, "Hear us, O
Lord." It is intricate in its construction, but when properly sung
resolves itself into one of the most vigorous and impressive choruses
Handel has written.

The second part opens with the Israelites celebrating the return of Judas
from the victories over Apollonius and Seron. An instrumental prelude,
picturing the scenes of battle, leads directly to the great chorus, the
best in the work, "Fallen is the Foe." The triumphant declaration is made
over and over with constantly increasing energy, finally leading to a
brilliant fugue on the words, "Where warlike Judas wields his righteous
Sword;" but interwoven with it are still heard those notes of victory,
"Fallen is the Foe," and the response, "So fall Thy Foes." The
Israelitish Man sings a vigorous tribute to Judas ("So rapid thy Course
is"). The triumphant strain, "Zion now her Head shall raise," is taken by
two voices, closing with the soprano alone; but before her part ends, the
whole chorus takes it and joins in the paean, "Tune your Harps," and the
double number ends in broad, flowing harmony. In a florid number ("From
mighty Kings he took the Spoil") the Israelitish Woman once more sings
Judas's praise. The two voices unite in a welcome ("Hail Judaea, happy
Land"), and finally the whole chorus join in a simple but jubilant
acclaim to the same words. The rejoicings soon change to expressions of
alarm and apprehension as a Messenger enters and announces that Gorgias
has been sent by Antiochus to attack the Isr