Judith (oratorio)
Encyclopedia
Judith was an oratorio
written by Thomas Arne and Isaac Bickerstaff
. It was first performed at Drury Lane Theatre
on 27 February 1761. It is based on the Book of Judith.
During a 1767 benefit performance a song from Judith was used for the first ever use of a piano forte in England.
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias...
written by Thomas Arne and Isaac Bickerstaff
Isaac Bickerstaffe
Isaac Bickerstaffe or Bickerstaff was an Irish playwright and Librettist.-Early life:Isaac John Bickerstaff was born in Dublin, on 26 September 1733, where his father John Bickerstaff held a government position overseeing the construction and management of sports fields including bowls and tennis...
. It was first performed at Drury Lane Theatre
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is a West End theatre in Covent Garden, in the City of Westminster, a borough of London. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane. The building standing today is the most recent in a line of four theatres at the same location dating back to 1663,...
on 27 February 1761. It is based on the Book of Judith.
During a 1767 benefit performance a song from Judith was used for the first ever use of a piano forte in England.