Theodora (HWV 68) is a dramatic oratorio (first performed in 1750) in three acts by George Frideric Handel. The oratorio’s English libretto was written by Thomas Morell and concerns the Christian saints Theodora and Didymus. The story of Theodora comes from the 4th century. A young noblewoman of Alexandria, Theodora refused to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. Didymus, a Roman soldier who has secretly converted to Christianity, risks his life to help her—and ultimately shares in her martyrdom.

Theodora differs from the two oratorios (Solomon and Susanna) that Handel had written the previoius year. It is a tragedy that ends in the death of the heroine and her converted companion. It is also Handel’s only dramatic oratorio in English on a Christian subject. Theodora was not initially received well by the public, but it is now recognized as one of Handel’s greatest works.

Bach Charlotte Chorus and Orchestra

Painting: Die Heiligen Theodora von Alexandrien und Didymus
(The Hunt of Dido and Aeneas)
Circa 1754
Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner (~1709–1761)
Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

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