An oratorio
Edited by John Tobin
The London Choral Society
Boris Ord (harpsichord) Charles Spinks (organ)
The Kalmar Chamber Orchestra
(Leader, Leonard Friedman)
Conducted by John Tobin
Part 1
The oratorio continues the story, begun in Judas Maccabaeus, of the heroic struggle of the Jews for independence, from the Books of the Maccabees, and deals with the short but colourful reign of Alexander Balus (150-145 B.C.).
Alexander is welcomed in triumph by the people (Asiatics) and proclaimed king. Ptolemy, King of Egypt, comes to do him honour bringing his daughter Cleopatra, and Alexander and Cleopatra fall in love. Jonathan (younger brother of Judas Maccabaeus) and Alexander make vows of perpetual friendship, and the first part ends with a chorus of Israelites singing praises to God. Part 2 begins with joyful preparations for -the wedding of Alexander and Cleopatra, but Cleopatra's happiness is tinged with foreboding. She has not long been married when her father turns traitor and sends ruffians to abduct her, wins over the Syrians, and assumes the crown of Asia as well as Egypt. Alexander collects an army and goes out against Ptolemy in the plain of Antioch. He is defeated, escapes, but is treacherously murdered Ptolemy himself is also killed in battle. Only the Israelites, Alexander's allies, are victorious, and the work ends with a combined Hallelujah and Amen.