Saul

Program Note

Leshnoff’s oratorio is based on the Biblical narrative of Saul, the first ruler of the United Kingdom of Israel, as stated in Samuel I and II in the Hebrew Bible. Its four parts were chosen from four dramatic and climactic moments of Saul’s life. The role of Saul is sung by tenor; the roles of Samuel and David by bass. The choir functions at times as a “Greek chorus” commenting on the story, sometimes as the people of Israel, and in one notable spot at the beginning, as the voice of G-d.

PART I.
The story is set about 1,000 B.C.E., when the Jews were still scattered among twelve tribes led by judges, who established justice and served as military leaders. The Israelites implore the prophet and judge Samuel [“We Need  a King”] to appoint a king to unite and rule the tribes so they can better deal with threats from their enemies. Samuel cautions them about the possible consequences of settling so much power in one individual, but they persist. The Voice of G-d [chorus, “This Is the Man”] calls to Saul (who is from “the tribe of Benjamin, The Smallest of the Tribes, and my family is the smallest of the families”) as well as to Samuel, who is commanded to anoint Saul as leader of all the tribes. The people acclaim the first King of United Israel [“Long Live the King”].

PART II.
Among the Israelites’ enemies are the Amalekites, who had attacked them on the exodus from Egypt. G-d commands Saul and Samuel to “strike the Amalekites and strike all that they have!” Saul kills thousands of the Amalekites, but spares “the king, sheep and cattle, and all that is good.” In failing to fully exterminate the Amalekites, Saul disobeyed G-d’s command and is stripped of his kingship [“Obedience”]. “And Samuel Cried to G-d All Night.”

PART III.
Saul is distraught and his courtiers suggest that he “Find a Man Who Plays the Harp” to soothe his spirit. David, a harp-playing son of Jesse, is called to Saul to calm him down. In confronting another enemy, the Philistines, David slays the giant “Goliath” and goes on to kill “tens of thousands” of them. Saul, who only slew “thousands,” is resentful and fearful of David claiming the throne, so plots his murder. Saul learns that David is in a cave in the desert. Saul finds the cave and as he rests there, David quietly cuts his cloak. When Saul awakens and discovers the cut in his cloak, David tells him that if he had sought to kill him, “G-d Put You in My Hand.” But David chose to let him live. “Then Saul raised his voice and wept.”

PART IV.
Samuel has died. “When Saul Saw the Camp” of the Philistines, he became afraid, and ordered his followers to “Find Me a Witch” to raise Samuel from his grave. Samuel’s specter appears and tells Saul that “tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.” Samuel’s prophecy is fulfilled, “And David Lamented Saul.” “And the Israelites Anointed David king. Long Live the King!”