A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Saul

SAUL. An oratorio; words attributed both to Jennens and Morell, music by Handel. The composition was begun July 23, 1738. The 2nd act was completed Aug. 28, and the whole on Sept. 27, of the same year. First performance at the King's Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1739; at Dublin, May 25, 1742. Revived by the Sacred Harmonic Society, March 20, 1840. The autograph is in the library at Buckingham Palace. The overture ('Sinfonia') is Handel's longest; it is in 4 movements, and the organ is largely employed in it as a solo instrument. There seems to have been some secret connexion between the organ and the oratorio, as it is more than once announced 'with several concertos on the organ.' The 'Dead March in Saul' (in C major) has been perhaps more widely played, and is more universally known than any other piece of music.

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