Hannah (oratorio) - Hannah

Hannah

The libretto begins with an "argument" that gives a summary of the story of Hannah who, through her devotion to God, was allowed to give birth to Samuel. Immediately following, there is a disclaimer that reads:

"The only Liberty Mr. Smart has taken with the sacred Story is that he has introduced the Song of Hannah as a Thanksgiving immediate upon her acceptance in Shiloh, whereas it was not composed till after the Birth of Samuel. This Liberty he humbly hopes is more pardonable than the total Omission of so pious and beautiful a Piece."

However, rearranging the timing of biblical events was not the only liberty taken with the story; the libretto emphasizes Peninnah's fertility and jealousy along with Elkanah's benevolent treatment of Hannah.

The oratorio begins with Peninnah singing:

When Abraham threw himself upon his Face

To worship God Almight, in return

Came Blessing down for Blessing - On his Loins

It came, from whence a Matron of her House

Stands forth, Peninnah; whose unnumber'd Progeny

Are known to him which calculates the Stars,

And tells the Total of the golden Grain

That borders boundless Ocean - O for Musick,

And every Form of Joy to bless and praise.

(Hannah 1-9)

The character of Peninnah uses her fertility as an excuse to mock Hannah in a manner more "earthly" than sacred. The earthly mannerisms of Peninnah and her maids were emphasized in the oratorio for "theatrical effect". However, the themes of fertility and barrenness are also important aspects for Smart's poetic theme. The Handmaid to Peninnah emphasizes these themes when she sings:

Far other is the Lot of her, that shares

A nobler Portion of her Husband's Bounty,

The highly-favour'd Hannah; for her Honour

Is not hereafter in the sweet Idea

Of Self continued in a genuine Race.

(Hannah 16-20)