Samson (HWV 57), is an Oratorio composed by G.F. Haendel in 1741, just after Messiah, on a libretto by Newburg Hamilton, based on Milton's Samson Agonistes, a "Romantic" (and Dramatic) treatment of the biblical figure Samson's in the "Book of judges". This is one of Haendel's finest Oratorios. Note that giving the title role to a Tenor, Haendel marked a turning point in performance practice that usually devoted title roles to castrati. Vocal agility is here subdued to melodic beauty and originality. note that the role of Micah was a "travesti" role, with the Alto Susanna Maria Cibber, who was a true Contralto. This prima donna also sang the role of David in Haendel's oratorio Saul. Nowaday this part can be also sung by a Countertenor.
