Nabal (no HWV number) is an oratorio pastiche. It was compiled from the works of Handel in 1764 by John Christopher Smith. It was first performed on 16 March 1764 at Covent Garden, London.
The recitatives are presumably the work of Smith, while the arias are largely borrowed from Handel's operas, oratorios, anthems and cantatas.
Dramatis Personae Nabal (bass) Abigail (soprano) David (tenor) Asaph (soprano) Shepherd (soprano)
Summary
PartMovementTypeVoiceText (first lines)11Symphonia(Largo, Allegro, Largo, Minuet)12RecitativeDavidHere in the Wilderness of Paran13ChorusThe righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance14AccompagnatoDavidHave mercy on us, Lord15AirDavidFood they ask'd16RecitativeAsaphNo doubt17AirAsaphThe Lord, our guide18ChorusThe Lord our guide19RecitativeAbigailHow hard the woman's fate110AirAbigailFree from discord111RecitativeNabalAvaunt, unpleasing wretch112AirNabalStill fill the bowl113Ballo and Minuet114Gavotte115Siciliana116AirShepherdGay and light as yonder sheep117ChorusGay and light as yonder sheep118RecitativeNabal'Tis Carmel's annual holiday119ChorusHappy, while we reign in pleasure21RecitativeDavidAsaph, 'tis well advis'd22AirDavidGreat Creator23ChorusGod, who in they heav'nly hand24Recitative and AccompagnatoAsaphThus saith my Lord25AirAsaphGrateful hearts enjoy the blessing26RecitativeNabalWho is this David?27AirNabalWith harps new strung28Solo and ChorusShepherdCome! Come! Live with pleasure29Air and ChorusShepherdSing we the feast210ChorusCrown with festal pomp the day211AccompagnatoAbigailThrice happy sheep212AirAbigailMind eternal213RecitativeShepherd, AbigailFly my good mistress214AccompagnatoDavidFell monster!215AirDavidFury in all they terrors rise216AccompagnatoAbigailOn me, my Lord, on me217AirAbigailMercy, thou heavn'ly cherub218AccompagnatoDavidBlessed be the Lord219ChorusAll creatures upon God depend31Interludes32AccompagnatoNabalAh! Whence this sudden dread33AirNabalOh! Who can tell the terrors?34RecitativeShepherdHow soon the scene is chang'd35ChorusBy slow degrees the wrath of God36RecitativeAsaphA messenger, my Lord37AirAsaphWhen beauty sorrow's livery wears38RecitativeDavidTrue is your observation39AirDavidLovely beauty310RecitativeAbigailBehold! Thine handmaid311AirAbigailCome ye similing hours312AccompagnatoShepherdGuardian angels313DuetShepherd, AsaphThrice happy pair314Solo and chorusShepherdStill caressing315RecitativeAbigailin praise, to great Jehovah316DuetAbigail and DavidThoughts sublime317ChorusO glorious prince
External links gfhandel.org Nabal review .