George Frideric Handel: Deborah
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10 works of classical music inspired by the Old Testament
10. George Frideric Handel: Deborah
One of Handel's successful early oratorios, premiered in March 1733, is based on stories found in the Book of Judges. The Israelites have been subjugated for 20 years by the Canaanites, when the prophetess Deborah foretells the death of the Canaanite commander Sisera at the hands of a woman. The Israelites go to war against the Canaanites and win. And sure enough, a woman assassinates Sisera as he sleeps in her tent.
