Of all Handel's great oratorios, Israel in Egypt is second only to Messiah in drama. It is dominated by massive virtuosic choruses, making it the perfect piece for The Sixteen, acknowledged by audiences and critics alike.

It's not surprising that Israel in Egypt is much-performed. Hailstones and lightning, buzzing flies and leaping frogs, are all brilliantly evoked for choir and orchestra in a series of incisive choruses leading us excitedly through the plagues of Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea as we follow Moses and the Children of Israel through the story of the Exodus. The epic nature of the story could not be more suited to Handel's genius for story-telling and drama.

This CD is based on the first published edition (1771), omitting five arias and two short choruses.

The Sixteen
The Symphony of Harmony and Invention
Harry Christophers


Track Listing:

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Israel in Egypt
1. Now there arose a new king over Egypt
2. And the Children of Israel sighed
3. Then sent He Moses
4. They loathed to drink of the river
5. Their land brought forth frogs
6. He spake the word
7. He gave them hailstones for rain
8. He sent a thick darkness over all the land
9. He smote all the first-born of Egypt
10. But as for his people
11. Egypt was glad when they departed
12. He rebuked the Red Sea
13. He led them through the deep
14. But the waters overwhelmed their enemies
15. And Israel saw that great work
16. And believed the Lord
17. Larghetto: Organ Concerto in F, HWV 295
18. Moses and the children of Israel
19. I will sing unto the Lord
20. He is my God
21. And I will exalt Him
22. The Lord is a man of war
23. The depths have covered them
24. Thy right hand, O Lord
25. And in the greatness of Thine excellency
26. Thou sentest forth Thy wrath
27. And with the blast of Thy nostrils
28. The people shall hear
29. Largo: Organ Concerto in F, HWV 295
30. The Lord shall reign for ever and ever
31. For the horse of Pharaoh
32. The Lord shall reign for ever and ever
33. And Miriam the prophetess
34. Sing ye to the Lord

TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 71.41