Saul og David (Saul and David) is the first of the two operas by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen. The four-act libretto, by Einar Christiansen, tells the Biblical story of Saul's jealousy of the young David, taken from the Book of Samuel. The first performance was at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen on 28 November 1902. The first UK production was in February 1977 in London by the University College Opera Society.
Saul and his army await the arriva...
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Saul og David (Saul and David) is the first of the two operas by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen. The four-act libretto, by Einar Christiansen, tells the Biblical story of Saul's jealousy of the young David, taken from the Book of Samuel. The first performance was at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen on 28 November 1902. The first UK production was in February 1977 in London by the University College Opera Society.
Saul and his army await the arrival of Samuel at Gilgal for the sacrifice to the God of Israel before battle with the Philistines. But Samuel does not come by the appointed time, so Saul performs the sacrifice himself. Moments later Samuel arrives and denounces the king's actions, and pronounces God's curse upon Saul. Though Saul repents, Samuel remains resolute, and Saul falls into despair. Jonathan's friend David sooths Saul with his singing. Michal and David fall in love.
Abner interrupts David, who is singing for Saul, and announces the challenge of the Philistine champion...
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