Rubinstein, Anton

Moses (1885-91)

Duration: 180 minutes
Sacred opera in eight scenes

Libretto by Heinrich Mosenthal (G)

Scoring
2S,4A,10T,Bar,6B (doubled roles possible); chorus; 2.picc.2.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc-2harps-pft-organ-strings .
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

Roles

PHARAOH, King of Egypt	Tenor
ASNATH, his daughter	Soprano
JOHEBET, an Israelite woman	Contralto
MIRIAM, her daughter	Soprano
A SLAVE OF ASNATH	Contralto
MOSES	Baritone
THE OVERSEER	Bass
THE CAPTAIN of the warriors	Tenor
JOB, an Israelite Old Man	Tenor
THE VOICE OF GOD	Tenor
JETHRO, Midianite priest	Bass
ZIPORA, his daughter	Contralto
A MESSENGER	Tenor
AARON	Bass
KORAH	Tenor
FOUR LEVITE PRIESTS	2 Tenors, 2 Basses
KUR	Contralto
JOSHUA	Tenor
BALAK, King of Moab	Bass
BILEAM, The Prophet	Tenor
The Pharaoh's and Asnath's retinues, Egyptian warriors, Priests of Osiris, Priestesses of Isis
People of Egypt, Daughters of Midian, Edomites, The Elders of Israel in Moses's retinue, Israelite warriors, People of Israel
Balak's captains, Night spirits, the Heavenly hosts

Time and Place
Ancient Egypt and Sinai

Synopsis
Moses, a Hebrew foundling raised by Pharaoh's daughter, has to flee from the Egyptian court after having killed an oppressive overseer. In the desert, he hears the voice of God, announcing his people's liberation from slavery and making Moses his messenger. To end the plagues God has sent over Egypt, Pharaoh first allows Moses and the Israelites to leave his country, but then furiously follows them up with his warriors. The Egyptians perish in the Red Sea, whereas Moses and his people safely make their way through the waters. A voice from above declares to the Hebrews the Ten Commandments. But the people suffer from hunger, and when Moses climbs Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law, the envious priest Korah stirs up the people to rise against their leader. The situation gets out of control and the Israelites build up, and worship an idol. Finally, the traitors go to hell and the people repent and follow Moses to the promised land over the river Jordan.

Moods
Dramatic

Subjects
Ethics, History, Religion, Literary