Jephtha (Handel): Difference between revisions

In intense distress, Jephtha prepares to take his beloved daughter's life (Accompanied recitative:''Hide thou thy hated beams'') and prays that she may be received into heaven (Air:''Waft her, angels, through the skies''). Iphis is resigned to her fate (Air:''Farewell, ye limpid springs and floods'') and the assembled priests preach submission to the divine will (Chorus of priests:''Doubtful fear and rev'rent awe''). As Jephtha lifts the sacrificial knife however, heavenly music is heard and an angel appears, declaring that human sacrifice is not pleasing to God. Iphis must be dedicated to God's service and stay a virgin through life, but she will live (Air:''Happy, Iphis shalt thou live''). The priests praise God's mercy (Chorus:''Theme sublime of endless praise''). The rest of Jephtha's family come in and Zebul proclaims that Iphis' faith and courage will forever be remembered (Air:''Laud her, all ye virgin train''). Storgé is relieved and happy that her daughter will not be put to death (Air: ''Sweet as sight to the blind'') and Hamor is also glad Iphis will be safe though he mourns the fact that she can never be his wife (Air:'''Tis Heav'n's all-ruling pow'r''). Iphis hopes he will find another love as she dedicates herself to serve God alone throughout her life (Air:''All that is in Hamor mine'') and promises to hold him in esteem as he accepts her decision (Duet:''Freely I to Heav'n resign''). All express their joy (Quintet:''Joys triumphant crown thy days'').<ref name="Boston">{{cite web|last1=Teeters|first1=Donald|title=Handel's Jephtha|url=http://www.bostoncecilia.org/prognotes/handel-jephtha.html|website=Bostoncecilia.org|accessdate=3 January 2018|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407064500/http://www.bostoncecilia.org/prognotes/handel-jephtha.html|websitearchivedate=Bostoncecilia.org|accessdate=37 JanuaryApril 20182007|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Chandos">{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Ruth|title=Handel Jephtha|url=https://www.chandos.net/chanimages/Booklets/CO6121.pdf|website=Chandos,net|accessdate=3 January 2018}}</ref>