An ageing King is driven to murderous intent by the youthful heroisms of David, he of giant-slaying fame. The setting is ancient Israel but the story of a nation in transition hit home to an eighteenth century England still in political flux when Handel premiered Saul in 1739.

In this podcast, Suzanne Aspden, associate professor of music at the University of Oxford, Handel specialist Dr Ruth Smith, conductor Ivor Bolton and singers Iestyn Davies and Christopher Purves, discuss the music and themes of Handel’s first great oratorio in English.

Presenter: Katie Derham

Produced by Katherine Godfrey for Whistledown Productions for Festival 2015.