Handel’s 1732 oratorio, Esther, tells the story of a Jewish orphan who becomes Queen of Persia. When the villainous Haman becomes enraged by a personal slight and, in retaliation, orders the extermination of all Jews throughout the Persian Empire, Esther saves her people from massacre.
The work originated in 1718 as a semi-staged masque, performed for the Duke of Chandos, who employed Handel as resident composer for two years. Later, Handel expanded it into a full oratorio for performance in London. Handel’s Coronation Anthems, written for the coronation of King George II in 1727, and performed with large instrumental and choral forces, had caused a public sensation. The playbill which advertised Esther five years later promised that “The music will be disposed after the manner of the Coronation Service.”
The aria, Tune Your Harps is sung by the First Israelite in Act I, Scene 2. The harp’s “cheerful strains” are depicted by continuously flowing pizzicati, while the oboe weaves a gentle duet with the tenor.
Tune your harps to cheerful strains,
Moulder idols into dust!
Great Jehovah lives and reigns,
We in great Jehovah trust.
Tune your harps…
This recording features the British tenor, Mark Padmore, with Andrew Manze and The English Concert:
Recordings
- Handel: Esther, HWV 50, Act I, Scene 2, Tune your harps Mark Padmore, Katharina Spreckelsen, The English Concert, Andrew Manze Amazon
Featured Image: “Esther Denouncing Haman” (1888), Ernest Normand
What a lovely piece. Its backstory is an eye opening reminder of just how long this conflict has been going on. But in doing that it also underscores the power of music. This will be my go-to piece when the headlines get me down!