Saul (
HWV 53) is a dramatic
oratorio in three acts written by
George Frideric Handel with a libretto by
Charles Jennens. Taken from the
First Book of Samuel, the story of
Saul focuses on the first king of Israel's relationship with his eventual successor,
David; one which turns from admiration to envy and hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of the eponymous monarch. The work, which Handel composed in 1738, includes the famous "Dead March", a funeral
anthem for Saul and his son
Jonathan, and some of the composer's most dramatic choral pieces.
Saul was first performed at the
King's Theatre in London on 16 January 1739. The work was a success at its London premiere and was revived by Handel in subsequent seasons.