Jephtha: Welcome As the Cheerful Light

George Frideric Handel's (1685-1759)) last oratorio, JEPHTHA is based on the Biblical story from Judges of Jephtha's rash promise to God to sacrifice the first creature he meets on returning from victory in battle, only to meet his beloved daughter Iphis. In Act 2, Iphis leads a procession of the Chorus of Virgins to greet her father and returning soldiers as they sing “Welcome as the Cheerful Light,” unaware of the horror felt by Jephtha as he realizes Iphis is the first living thing he has seen on his return. This is edition has been edited and arranged by Don Malin (with the addition of an alto part to the chorus that only originally had two voices) and may be performed with chamber orchestra or with piano accompaniment. The choral score is available separately for sale from the publisher.

Instrumentation: SSA Chorus: opt. Soprano soloist: 0.2(sub. 2Cl).0.0: 0.0.0.0: Cont: Str