Händel,Georg Friedrich 1685-1759 -Samson: Let the bright Seraphim:

Voce con Tromba Nr. 23
Händel, Georg Friedrich 1685-1759
-Samson: Let the bright Seraphim:
Aria from the oratorio "Samson" HWV57
Soprano, trumpet (D, C, A), 2 violins, viola, basso continuo (harpsichord)

Samson (HWV 57) is a three-part oratorio by George Frideric Handel from 1743, considered one of his finest dramatic works. The brilliant aria ‘Let the bright Seraphim’ is a highlight.

Handel began composing Samson immediately after completing Messiah on 14 September 1741. He used a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton based on the character of Samson in the 16th chapter of the Book of Judges.

At the end of August 1742, Handel returned to London after the premiere of his Messiah and thoroughly revised his oratorio Samson. This allowed the premiere to take place on 18 February 1743 at Covent Garden in London.

The oratorio was a great success and was performed seven times in its first season, more than any of his other oratorios in a single season. Samson remained popular throughout Handel's lifetime and is still part of our repertoire today.