Israel in Egypt, an Oratorio in Score, as it was originally composed by Mr Handel

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An excessively scarce first edition copy (in folio book form) of the score of Handel’s epic Biblical libretto.

Israel in Egypt, an Oratorio in Score, as it was originally composed by Mr Handel, London: Willm Randall, [1770-71], engraved frontipiece, complete with subscribers and index list, previous ownership inscription in brown ink to title-page dated 1840, some toning and minor marginal waterstains in a few leaves not affecting text, rebound in modern quarter calf over marbled boards, title and author in gilt to black calf label laid onto gilt decorated spine, folio.

Most scholars believe the libretto was prepared by Charles Jennens, who also compiled the biblical texts for Handel’s Messiah (1741). Israel in Egypt is composed entirely of selected passages from the Old Testament, mainly from Exodus and the Psalms. Composed in just one month between October and November of 1738, Israel in Egypt premiered at London’s King’s Theatre in the Haymarket on April 4, 1739.

This is one of only two oratorios by Handel with a text compiled from verses from the Bible, the other being Messiah.

Title: Israel in Egypt, an Oratorio in Score, as it was originally composed by Mr Handel

Publisher: Printed for William Randall, London

Publication Date: 1770-71

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: First