Hogarth, William. REHEARSAL FOR THE ORATORIO JUDITH also known as "A CHORUS OF SINGERS". Engraving, 1734. Paulson 127. 6 7/8 X 6 1/2 inches (plate), 7 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches (sheet). Trimmed to the platemark except at the bottom. An early printing, before the title lettering in the margin below the image. The conductor, bass palyer and members of the chorus (men and boys) are shown singing from printed scores at a rehearsal for William Huggins' oratorio. William Huggins (1696-1761), who was a friend of Hogarth's wrote the libretto, and the music was composed by William Defesch (1680-1758), who was a kappelmeister and violinist in Antwerp, and later, in England, the conductor of an orchestra at Marylebone Gardens. It is likely he who is portrayed as the conductor. a thin spot top center, visible from the verso, else in very good condition.
