Easter concert 2024: Handel's Samson

Saturday, 16th March, at 7.30
​All Saints' Church, Brixworth, NN6 9BZ

We sang most of Handel's oratorio Samson,​ a fine work worthy of being better known. It is practically an opera, only without the costumes and action, and our four vocal soloists played the main characters and presented the story while the choir alternated between the choruses of Israelites and Philistines.

We were delighted to have such strong soloists:

Anna Gregg​ (soprano) - as Dalila
Myrna Tennant (mezzo soprano) - as Micah, a friend of Samson
Richard Jackson (tenor) - as Samson
Fionn Ó hAlmhain (bass) - in various roles

Richard Dunster-Sigtermans (organ)
Corinne Malitskie (cello)
Nick Bunker (trumpet)
Ian Clarke​ (harpsichord and drum) 

Ian wrote afterwards:

"Thank you so much for all your efforts to make it an evening to remember in Brixworth yesterday.

"What a glorious oratorio on which to work, and I hope you felt that the other more narrative sections helped to put your choruses in context.
I know that there were a few things that didn’t quite go to plan - there always are - but the overall effect was dynamic, suitably expressive in the more telling quieter sections, and rhythmic and positive in the louder choruses, the finale terrific and rousing. We were, of course, complemented by great contributions from Richard on the organ, and Corinne, who both worked their socks off in the afternoon, with trumpeter Nick providing the glitz! And who was that drummer, he can come again! Characterful soloists, too, who played their part, and really enjoyed themselves!!
Thanks to all who helped in the organisation behind the scenes, and to Kate for the programme, plus those who helped me with the harpsichord porterage (which I think made a really worthwhile contribution to the ‘soundworld’, adding to the variety of colour and sense of style).

"But thanks especially to you for singing, and supporting me in bringing such a great piece to life!"

The action starts towards the end of the story from the Book of Judges, when Samson had already been betrayed by his wife Dalila (aka Delilah), lost his strength (by a haircut), and been blinded and taken prisoner by the Philistines.

At a festival for Dagon, the Philistine god, Samson is allowed to receive visitors. His father, his friend Micah, and Dalila are all present, along with other Israelites, and the oratorio recounts their conversations with Samson. They begin to conceive of the occasion as a test of power between Dagon and Jehovah. The Philistines plan to mock Samson by having him entertain them at the feast of Dagon, and initially he resists that as an act of idolatry. Eventually he is forced, but then his strength comes back with his regrown hair and his final act is to push down two central pillars, bringing down the temple and killing many Philistines at their feast as well as himself. The oratorio closes with the Israelites lamenting his death, but celebrating him as a hero.