Handel’s Heroes & Villains — Episode 2: Deborah

PBO’s Jews & Music/JAMOnline presents Handel’s Deborah in the next installment of Handel’s Heroes & Villains, exploring the “complicated” personalities of the Hebrew Bible that figure so prominently in Handel’s epic operas and oratorios.

We continue with Deborah — prophetess and Judge who implores her “leaders” to save her country and people from the “villains.” Deborah is a woman with visions and ideas driven by longing, power, strength, and compassion. A “fiery” and independent leader, Handel gave even greater voice and song to all that Deborah represented. Music Director Richard Egarr and Jews & Music Scholar-in-Residence Francesco Spagnolo deconstruct the narrative surrounding the story of Handel’s Deborah with commentary, music, and the libretto. The oratorio first premiered in 1733. Lee’s see how Deborah’s story stacks up in 2021.