Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

Camden Choir

Judas Maccabaeus is a 3-act oratorio composed in 1746 by George Frideric Handel and based on a libretto by Thomas Morell. It is best known for its chorus 'See, the conqu’ring hero comes'. The story comes from the Old Testament book (Apocrypha) 1 Maccabees – the events occurred between 170–160 BC when Judea was ruled by the Seleucid Empire, which then attempted to destroy the Jewish religion.

Though less sophisticated in his poetry than Handel’s previous librettists, Morrell was a good fit with their new and less sophisticated audience. Handel had recently opened ticket sales to the general public, making his performances more accessible to a greater cross-section of Londoners than his previous aristocratic subscribers, and Morrell responded with less subtlety, more pageantry, and closer connection with current events.

Oratorio had been established as an Italian genre in the previous century. It provided suitable entertainment, particularly during Lent when the theatres were mostly closed, for the faithful who were encouraged to avoid the profanities of the stage. As in opera, the leading roles are sung by a handful of soloists. However, in contrast to opera, the chorus is equal in importance to the soloists and always plays a central dramatic role, both as a character and as a commentator.

Amazingly, the chorus that most people associate with Judas Maccabaeus – ‘See, the conqu’ring hero comes’ – was not composed for this work. In fact, it was created in 1747 for Handel’s next oratorio, Joshua, which also set a Morell libretto. It was such a success that the composer himself incorporated it retroactively into the score of Judas Maccabeus, and it has featured in every performance since.