The Judith Project

Fabulous Females on the Fringe:
The Judith Project
An educational video produced by Now and Then Media and H.I.P.S.T.E.R. (an acronym for Historically Informed Performance Series, Teaching, Education, and Research)
in collaboration with the Limerick Educate Together Secondary School (LETSS)
Featuring:
37:28 Student drama scenes
40:40 Student photography
41:45 Student artwork
Performances of music by Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729)
Music and Texts:
Violin sonata No. 1 in D minor
03:57 1st movement
06:53 2nd movement (Presto)
09:02 6th movement (Aria)
12:45 7th movement (Presto)
Cantata Judith
15:07 (Opening symphonie)
17:00 Recitative:
Whether it was from famine or war, Bethulia was about to fall.
The tyrant who had besieged the city had prepared a grand feast where Judith must attend him.
He couldn’t live without her, and already he had declared to reveal his love.
17:48 Air
Victory alone made me happy, and without you, the glory would have limited my wishes.
But the glory is vain next to your attractions.
I prefer my chain to all its benefits.
21:09 Recitative
Stab in the spear that wounds him, Judith. Seduce him with sexy glances.
Quick, hurry, get him drunk, so you can strike him!
Don’t you notice how he is charmed by his conquest, he who drinks love and wine in long drafts?
But in vain the unrighteous one prepares himself for triumph.
Already with its thick poppies, a deep sleep covered his head.
22:47 Sleep (instrumental)
26:30 Recitative
The deed is done. The slumber, the silence, the night,
As you planned, deliver this great victim to you.
Arm yourself, arm yourself, and with a strong arm quench in his blood the love that seduced him.
27:30 Measured Recitative
Again Judith beseeches the heavenly power.
Her arm, prepared to strike, remains suspended mid-air.
She shakes with revenge. Support her panicked heart,
Oh heavens! You who inspired her, be her strength!
28:40 Instrumental
29:41 Air
The blow is done.
What a glorious triumph!
Judith is victorious.
Israel is saved.
For this fighter who is too weak, there is no more awaking.
Death has taken him in the arms of sleep.
33:19 Measured Recitative
Run, run Judith, don’t let anything stop you.
An alarmed crowd awaits you.
Mount his head on your ramparts - a clear sign of a greater triumph.
34:36 Air
Sing, sing about the glory of the only master of kings.
No, it is only up to His laws. Let victory obey.
His sovereign power prevails over obstacles;
And the weakest hand is enough for his miracles.
English translation by Yonit Kosovske
Harpsichord Suite in A minor
40:40 Unmeasured prelude
43:08 Gigue
44:51 Chaconne
Also on this recording:
Toccata settima (excerpt)
by Michelangelo Rossi (1602-1656)
from the CD Chrome Attic
Yonit Kosovske (harpsichord)
©2017 Now and Then Media
Yonit Kosovske, artistic director
Vlad Smishkewych, producer
Norma Lowney, curriculum curator
Aisling Kenny, soprano
Debbie Diamond, violin
Sarah Groser, viola da gamba
Yonit Kosovske, harpsichord
Joe Ó Dubhghaill, recording engineer
Vlad Smishkewych, video and editing
Many thanks to our supporting venues:
Limerick City Gallery of Art
Lime Tree Theatre
Special thanks to Martin Shannon of Lumen Street Theatre for the cardboard horse’s head.
nowandthenmedia.com
hipsterireland.com
©2022 Now and Then Media