Nabal (Handel) Explained

Nabal (no HWV number) is an oratorio pastiche. It was compiled from the works of Handel in 1764 by John Christopher Smith. It was first performed on 16 March 1764 at Covent Garden, London.

The recitatives are presumably the work of Smith, while the arias are largely borrowed from Handel's operas, oratorios, anthems and cantatas.

Dramatis Personae

Summary

PartMovementTypeVoiceText (first lines)
11Symphonia
(Largo, Allegro, Largo, Minuet)
12RecitativeDavidHere in the Wilderness of Paran
13ChorusThe righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance
14AccompagnatoDavidHave mercy on us, Lord
15AirDavidFood they ask'd
16RecitativeAsaphNo doubt
17AirAsaphThe Lord, our guide
18ChorusThe Lord our guide
19RecitativeAbigailHow hard the woman's fate
110AirAbigailFree from discord
111RecitativeNabalAvaunt, unpleasing wretch
112AirNabalStill fill the bowl
113Ballo and Minuet
114Gavotte
115Siciliana
116AirShepherdGay and light as yonder sheep
117ChorusGay and light as yonder sheep
118RecitativeNabal'Tis Carmel's annual holiday
119ChorusHappy, while we reign in pleasure
21RecitativeDavidAsaph, 'tis well advis'd
22AirDavidGreat Creator
23ChorusGod, who in they heav'nly hand
24Recitative and AccompagnatoAsaphThus saith my Lord
25AirAsaphGrateful hearts enjoy the blessing
26RecitativeNabalWho is this David?
27AirNabalWith harps new strung
28Solo and ChorusShepherdCome! ComeLive with pleasure
29Air and ChorusShepherdSing we the feast
210ChorusCrown with festal pomp the day
211AccompagnatoAbigailThrice happy sheep
212AirAbigailMind eternal
213RecitativeShepherd, AbigailFly my good mistress
214AccompagnatoDavidFell monster!
215AirDavidFury in all they terrors rise
216AccompagnatoAbigailOn me, my Lord, on me
217AirAbigailMercy, thou heavn'ly cherub
218AccompagnatoDavidBlessed be the Lord
219ChorusAll creatures upon God depend
31Interludes
32AccompagnatoNabalAh! Whence this sudden dread
33AirNabalOh! Who can tell the terrors?
34RecitativeShepherdHow soon the scene is chang'd
35ChorusBy slow degrees the wrath of God
36RecitativeAsaphA messenger, my Lord
37AirAsaphWhen beauty sorrow's livery wears
38RecitativeDavidTrue is your observation
39AirDavidLovely beauty
310RecitativeAbigailBehold! Thine handmaid
311AirAbigailCome ye similing hours
312AccompagnatoShepherdGuardian angels
313DuetShepherd, AsaphThrice happy pair
314Solo and chorusShepherdStill caressing
315RecitativeAbigailin praise, to great Jehovah
316DuetAbigail and DavidThoughts sublime
317ChorusO glorious prince

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