Deborah (Handel)

The work, with large choruses and grand orchestral effects, was very successful and was revived by Handel in subsequent years.

The great success of Esther the previous year had shown Handel that there was potential for further works of "Sacred Drama", performed in concert form in English.

[1]: 199 Deborah was performed as part of Handel's season at the King's Theatre in 1733, with the stars of the Italian opera singing in English, and the composer / impresario was so confident of the work's success that he doubled the price of admission for the first performance, causing some resentment and comment in the press.

Sisera and priests of Baal arrive to counsel the Israelites not to attack but Deborah and Barak reject the possibility that the God of Israel will not conquer.

Abinoam looks forward with pride to his son Barak's victory, and Deborah advises her friend Jael to retire to her tent during the upcoming battle.

Jael announces that Sisera is dead, and relates how the defeated general sought refreshment and rest in her tent.