The deepest of male friendships must contend with jealousy, a witch's premonition, and, ultimately war in the biblical tale of the King Saul's banishment of his son's best friend on the eve of battle. Charpentier's stately choruses, dances, and airs unfold with conductor William Christie's trademark rhetorical flair, transforming a neglected biblical parable into a sonically gripping psychological tableau.