See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes! (Judas Maccabeus)

Judas Maccabaeus (HWV 63) is an oratorio in three acts composed in 1746 by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) based on a libretto written by Thomas Morell. The oratorio was devised as a compliment to the victorious Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland upon his return from the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746).

The famous chorus "See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! was composed during the summer of 1747 for Handel's next oratorio, Joshua. In the wake of its popularity, probably in 1751, Handel added it to Judas Maccabaeus, and so it forms a legitimate part of both oratorios.

The much-melody also makes its appearance as the hymn - "Thine is the glory!"

This concise and splendid arrangement was done by Robert Gower, who compiled and edited the collection, "Ceremonial Music for Organ" published by Oxford University Press in 1998, in which this piece may be found.

I know that many people are anxiously waiting for the releases of the Peterborough Cathedral sample set. Although I have no "connection" with the set, it continues to be my pleasure to work in the preparation of the final "balancing" of the magnificent instrument.

In this upload, you'll hear the full organ in "various levels" and in all its glory.

At the end, the crescendo goes all the way up to the addition of the sub and super couplers, the addition of the Solo tuba (enclosed and gradually opening), and finally the massive Contra Tuba 16 in the Pedal during the final phrases. The 32' reed is already on at this point!

I do respect copyrights, but I thought people might enjoying have the score of this (and the preceding Purcell), so, I did scan it and attach it below.

A photo of the arranger, Robert Gower, and a painting of Handel are also attached.