Neal Davies takes the title role in Handel’s Saul, one of the true masterpieces of Baroque vocal music. He's joined by Iestyn Davies and exemplary period-instrument orchestra The English Concert under conductor John Butt for this critically acclaimed concert performance.

Saul is an opera in all but name, containing some of the composer’s most vivid music and one of the largest, most colourful orchestrations he ever wrote. It tells of the first King of Israel’s early admiration and later envy and hatred towards his successor, David, and David’s love for Saul’s son Jonathan, in moving arias and powerful choruses that chart a cathartic journey from triumph to tragedy.

This recording contains highlights from a performance at the Usher Hall as part of the 2022 Festival. The full concert recording to be released in spring 2023. These highlights are:

• Allegro from Sinfonia
• Chorus: 'How excellent thy name, O Lord'
• Recitative and Aria: 'He comes, he comes!... O godlike Youth' – Michal
  
• Aria: 'O Lord, whose mercies numberless' – David
• Symphony – Harp solo
• Recitative: 'Tis all in vain' – Jonathan
• Aria: 'A serpent, in my bosom warm'd' – Saul
• Recitative: 'Already see the daughters of the land' – Michal
• Chorus: 'Welcome, welcome, mighty king!'
• Accompagnato: 'What do I hear? Am I then sunk so low' – Saul
• Chorus: 'David his ten thousands slew'

This concert is part of our At Home series in partnership with abrdn. Find out more about At Home.

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