The Choice of Hercules (HWV 69) is an oratorio in one act (three scenes) by George Frideric Handel. Handel produced the score between 28 June and 5 July 1750. The first performance was given on 1 March 1751 at the Covent Garden Theatre, London with Cecilia Young as Virtue, Isabella Young as Hercules, and Thomas Lowe as attendant. The libretto is derived from the poem (1743) of Robert Lowth but revised, probably, by Thomas Morell.
The story centres on the Choice of Hercules, in which the youthful Hercules must decide between the paths of pleasure and virtue. These are represented by two women who present their various arguments to Hercules, and his confusion is articulated in the trio Where shall I go?. The classical myth of "the choice of Hercules," as told by the 5th-century Athenian sophist Prodicus (Xenophon Memorabilia 2.1.21-34), anticipates that Hercules will choose to follow Virtue's path. And, indeed, the Chorus sings ( Chorus, 24) that "Virtue will place thee in that blest abode, Crown'd with immortal youth, Among the gods a god!"
The character of The Attendant on Pleasure is introduced into this version of the Choice of Hercules and complicates Hercules' choice (Air, 16).
A typical performance takes almost 50 minutes.
The work includes the notable aria Yet can I hear that dulcet lay.
Dramatis personae Hercules (alto) Pleasure (soprano) Virtue (alto) An Attendant on Pleasure (tenor) Chorus
Movements The work has the following movements:
MovementTypeCharacterText1Sinfonia2AccompagnatoPleasureSee Hercules! how smiles yon myrtle plain3AirPleasureCome, blooming boy4AirPleasureThere the brisk sparkling nectar drain5Solo and ChorusPleasureWhile for thy arms that beauty glows6RecitativeVirtueAway, mistaken wretch, away!7AirVirtueThis manly youth's exalted mind8RecitativeVirtueRise, youth! exalt thyself and me9AirVirtueGo, assert thy heav'nly race10RecitativeVirtueIn peace, in war11Solo and ChorusVirtueSo shalt thou gain immortal praise12RecitativePleasureHearst thou, what dangers then thou must engage?13Solo and ChorusPleasureTurn thee, youth, to joy and love14RecitativePleasure and HerculesShort is my way, fair, easy, smooth and plain15AirHerculesYet, can I hear that dulcet lay16AirAttendant on PleasureEnjoy the sweet Elysian grove17RecitativeHerculesOh! whither, reason, dost thou fly?18TrioHercules, Pleasure and VirtueWhere shall I go?19RecitativeVirtueMount, mount the steep ascent20AirVirtueMount, mount the steep ascent21ChorusArise! mount the steep ascent22RecitativeHerculesThe sounds breathe fire23AirHerculesLead, goddess, lead the way!24ChorusVirtue will place thee in that blest abode
Recordings Hyperion Records label received the 2003 International Handel Recording Prize for their recording of The Choice of Hercules.
Conductor: Robert King Pleasure: Susan Gritton Virtue: Alice Coote Hercules: Robin Blaze An Attendant on Pleasure: Charles Daniels The Choir of The King's Consort The King's Consort
External links Complete Libretto hosted by Stanford University
Richard Dyer, Cecilia opens with 'Choice' Handel (review of Boston Cecilia production), The Boston Globe, 8 November 2005