Händel, Georg Friedrich -Samson: Aria from the oratorio "Let the bright

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

Handel began composing Samson immediately after completing Messiah on 14 September 1741, using a libretto by Newburgh Hamilton based on the character 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. The premiere took place on 18 February 1743 at Covent Garden in London.

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