English oratorio after Handel

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The late eighteenth-century history of English oratorio is often viewed as a mere continuation of Handel's legacy, with the 1784 Handel Commemoration being the sole highlight. However, the uninterrupted tradition of annual Lenten oratorio performances established by Handel from 1760 onward is frequently overlooked. Handel's renowned oratorios, such as Messiah, Samson, and Judas Maccabaeus, remained central to the programs of major London theatres. Additionally, approximately fifty new oratorios were composed and performed in London between 1760 and 1800. This work provides a comprehensive historical account of the oratorio performances during this period, focusing on the annual Lenten series and the emerging late eighteenth-century repertoire. Extensive appendices offer a complete list of all oratorio performances at London theatres from 1760 to 1800, detailing vocal and instrumental soloists, as well as manuscript scores and contemporary editions. The author, Eva Zöllner, earned her PhD at the University of Hamburg in 1998 and has contributed to notable music reference works. Her research includes articles on Thomas Augustine Arne, John Christopher Smith the younger, and German musicians active in London during the eighteenth century.