Lidón | Oratorio a Santa Bárbara DIGITAL

We publish in this volume the Oratorio a Santa Bárbara by José Lidón (1748-1827). This work was performed on December 4, 1775, the feast of Saint Barbara, at the Real Colegio de Niños Cantores in Madrid. The schoolboys sang an annual oratorio in honor of Santa Bárbara on that day, since she was the patron saint and titular of the school. The year in which the oratorio we publish was performed, Lidón was the second organist of the Royal Chapel and teacher of Italian style at the school.

The Oratorio a Santa Bárbara is one of the most ambitious works we have by José Lidón, himself one of the most interesting Spanish composers of his time. As a work intended to showcase the skill of the boy singers of the Royal College, the writing for the voices is demanding. Following the tradition of flores sanctorum, the oratorio depicts the martyrdom of Saint Barbara, a virgin martyr who lived in Nicomedia in the 3rd century AD. The work exalts the piety and firmness of the saint in contrast to the idolatry and cruelty that characterize her father Dióscoro.

Roles:

- Santa Bárbara: soprano
- Custodio (angel): soprano
- Valenciano: alto
- Dióscoro: bass-baritone

Orchestra: 2 oboes, 2 flutes, 2 French horns, 2 violins, viola, cello and b.c.