Israel in Egypt • Collegium 1704

In the oratorio Israel in Egypt, Handel develops, against the backdrop of biblical texts, a capti­vating fantasy which abounds in sound painting and captivating expression. The composition occupies an exceptional place among his orato­rios: unlike the other works, it is epic, choir parts dominate throughout, and there are no named individual characters. Extensive and extremely refined choral areas, full of contrasts and vocal virtuosity, stand at the centre of the work, and its dramatic qualities reveal the great master of the opera.