Joshua

Synopsis

Handel's dramatic oratorio relates the Old Testament story of Joshua, successor to Moses, as he leads the Israelites in conquest of Canaan, the land promised them by Jehovah. This tale of a bloody military campaign is counterpointed by a tender love story between the young Israelite commander Othniel and the beautiful maiden Achsah. Handel deploys all of his vast experience as an opera composer in his highly theatrical score. Strongly characterised, the work includes a marvellous series of set-piece moments, such as the collapse of the walls of Jericho, the miracle of the sun and moon standing still at the battle of Gibeon, and the triumphal return of Othniel after his victory at Debir. This is celebrated in one of Handel's most famous choruses, ?See, the conqu'ring hero comes!', best known in its incarnation as the hymn tune ?Thine Be the Glory'. Joshua was first performed in 1748 at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. Staged in Leeds Grand Theatre by director/designer Charles Edwards, this new presentation returns the work to its roots in the theatre and promises to be an enthralling experience.

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