Susanna (Handel)

Susanna (HWV 66) is a dramatic oratorio in three parts by Georg Friedrich Händel.

Formation

Handel began work on Susanna barely a month after the completion of Solomon. The first act, he composed from 11 July to 21 July 1748. He finished the second act of August 21, the whole work on August 24. The work came first time on February 10, 1749 at Covent Garden Theatre on the stage and brought it to four performances. It was only resumed in 1759 for a performance.

Libretto

The subject of the oratorio is the story of Susanna and the Elders, which is told in the Book of Daniel ( Dan 13.26 to 63 ) and had stimulated the already numerous painters. The poet of the libretto is unknown, but Winton Dean a strong case that it is the same as that of Solomon.

People

The cast was sung at the first performance of the following singers:

• Susanna: Frasi Giulia (soprano )
• Joacim, Susanna's husband ( Jehoiakim ): Caterina Galli (mezzo- soprano)
• Daniel, Prophet: boy soprano
• First Elder Thomas Lowe (Tenor)
• Second Elder: Thomas Reinhold ( bass)
• Judge:? (Bass)
• Chelsias, Susanna's father ( Helkias ): Thomas Reinhold ( bass)
• A servant: Sibilla Pinto ( soprano)