On June 13, 1748, George Frideric completed the score of Solomon. This oratorio, in three acts, is unique since each one depicts a fresco. The first act 
deals with the Dedication of the Temple and Solomon’s happy marriage with the pharaoh’s daughter. The second act, with the two harlots disputing about the parentage of the baby and the judgement from Solomon. And the third with the visit of Queen Sheba and the expression of different emotions in music. According to Handel scholar, Winton Dean, the composer conceived the work as an example of an ideal society and, consequently, as a tribute to british society and King George II.
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Let’s hear some orchestral pieces, at first.
Solomon: Overture (Andante-allegro moderato)
Solomon: Act III: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
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From the excellent 1984 Gardiner recording, let’s give a look to the “May no rash intruder” chorus, from the Act I, where Handel depicts the nightingales with nice strings effects.
Solomon: Act I: Chorus “May no rash intruder”
Lyrics
May no rash intruder disturb their soft hours;
To form fragrant pillows, arise, oh ye flow’rs!
Ye zephirs, soft-breathing, their slumbers prolong,
While nightingales lull them to sleep with their song.
Credits
John Eliot Gardiner/English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir/Philips
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We could not end this post without the rousing last chorus from the great Reuss/Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin/RIAS Kammerchor recording on Harmonia Mundi.
Solomon: Act III: Chorus “Praise the Lord”
Lyrics
Chorus 1
Praise the Lord with harp and tongue!
Praise Him all ye old and young,
He’s in mercy ever strong.
Chorus 2
Praise the Lord through ev’ry state,
Praise Him early, praise Him late,
God alone is good and great.
Full Chorus
Let the loud Hosannahs rise,
Widely spreading through the skies,
God alone is just and wise.
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Sources for this post
Winton Dean, “Solomon, an oratorio of pageantry and pomp”, notes from the Gardiner/Philips CD.
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