THIS Chorus serves as a commentary and meditation on the death of Stephen, at whose martyrdom Saul was present.
The words are : ' Happy and blest are they who have endured. For though the body dies,
. the soul shall live for ever.'
IN the Second Part of the Oratorio. Gabriel, the guardian of Paradise, tells of the creation of the birds, and in this Air he describes the proud eagle, the merry lark. the cooing clove, and the nightingale pouring forth his sweetest melody. Haydn's music suggests the various notes of the birds.
THIS Chorus is a lovely tranquil setting of the words : ' How lovely is Thy dwelling place, 0
Lord of Hosts, for my soul it longeth. yea fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My soul and body crieth out, yea for the living God. 0 blest are they that dwell within Thy house ; they praise Thy name evermore '
THE extract from Handel comes from the second part of Judas Maccabæus. The Israelites have triumphed over their foes, but a messenger brings news that fresh hosts are advancing. Judas sings the Air :—
Sound an alarm ! Your silver trumpets sound.
And call the brave, and only brave around.
Who listeth, follow ; to the field again. «
Justice, with courage, is a thousand men.