Immediately after the Messiah — which was created in the twenty four days from Augus 22 to September 14, 1742 — Handel advanced to the composition of Samson. The commencement of the work is not dated; but by September 29, fourteen days after the completeion of Messiah, the first act was completed; the second act was finished by October 11, and the work was finished on Octber 29, 1741. Handel's two greatest oratorios were produced together in ten successive weeks.

SATB with SATBB Soli