With Saul, Handel surprised London audiences in 1739 with what is probably his most dramatic oratorio, which is also often performed in a staged version today due to its stylistic proximity to opera. Envy, love, betrayal and madness are the main ingredients of this large-scale Old Testament, thoroughly political drama. Handel shows himself to be a master in the creation of large tableaux, the effect of which he enhanced by adding trombones, harp and carillon to the usual orchestration.

Two music enthusiasts immerse themselves in the works with the audience in a deep and at the same time lively way: Marcus Imbsweiler publishes novels, including stories about composers. Timo Jouko Herrmann is a composer, violinist and guest conductor of the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra.