Solomon is among the most human and spectacular of Handel’s oratorios. Nardus Williams is the versatile soprano soloist, singing three roles: Solomon’s Queen, the First Harlot and Nicaule, the Queen of Sheba. Handel’s colossal work tells the story of one of the Bible’s most prominent characters, King Solomon, with each of its three acts illustrating his different qualities and exploring the theme of leadership. In Act I, the King’s devoutness and ‘marital bliss’ is celebrated “amid flowers, sweet breezes’ and nightingales’ songs”. Act 2 recognises Solomon’s great wisdom as he dramatically resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child, whilst the final act highlights the splendour of Solomon’s kingdom through a lavish masque presented to the visiting Queen of Sheba.
