Judas Maccabaeus begins with the Israelites mourning the death of their leader. Judas Maccabaeus is put forth as their new leader, and he goes on to defend Israel from the invading Syrians, and the people celebrate his victory. Note that most of the action occurs off stage. Judas rouses the people to battle in defense of "laws, religion, liberty", followed by declarations of victory and celebrations. The actual battles are not depicted.
Note also that in its Biblical context, the Judas Maccabaeus story is also the Hanukkah story. Aside from some passing references and the rejection of idol gods, this is also off stage. It is unlikely that you would recognize Judas Maccabaeus as the Hanukkah story if you did not already know this going in.
Handel wrote Judas Maccabaeus to celebrate the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over Bonnie Prince Charlie, who had claimed the British throne, at Culloden in 1746. Essentially, he was giving Biblical authority to the victory.
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Note also that in its Biblical context, the Judas Maccabaeus story is also the Hanukkah story. Aside from some passing references and the rejection of idol gods, this is also off stage. It is unlikely that you would recognize Judas Maccabaeus as the Hanukkah story if you did not already know this going in.
Handel wrote Judas Maccabaeus to celebrate the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over Bonnie Prince Charlie, who had claimed the British throne, at Culloden in 1746. Essentially, he was giving Biblical authority to the victory.
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