Georg Friedrich Händel: Solomon. Oratorio: Mixed Choir: Vocal Score

An oratorio for SSSSATBB soli chorus and orchestra written in 1748. This vocal score includes a piano accompaniment revised from that of the German Handel Society.

Solomon is an English oratorio by George Frideric Handel. The anonymous libretto is based on the biblical stories of wise king Solomon from the First Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles with additionalmaterial from Antiquities of the Jews by ancient historian Flavius Josephus. The music was composed between 5 May and 13 June 1748 and the first performance took place on 17 March 1749. The oratorio contains a short and livelyinstrumental passage for two Oboes and Strings in Act Three known as The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba which has become famous outside the context of the complete work.The familiar Baroque melody ofThe Arrival of the Queen of Sheba has been masterfully transcribed for intermediate level (Grade 5-6) solo Piano.

Thrill to the majesty of this brilliant chorus from George Frideric Handel's oratorio Solomon. The skillfully adapted accompaniment is accessible yet richly supportive. The contrasting fluid B section may be performed by solo voices. Your choir will sound its best with this masterful general praise anthem also suitable for Pentecost Christ the King Sunday and World Communion.

from Solomon Oratorio-This adaptation of the SATB air and chorus from Solomon Oratorio by G.F. Handel has been modified to enable developing SSA choirs to experience the masterwork. It is true to the Baroque style by including contrapuntalstyle vocal melismas and natural harmony flowing from the independent and range as well as accessible vocal lines. This is an educational treasure to provide history and insight into the music of this time period.

The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba is the best known excerpt from Handel’s oratorio Solomon. When audience’s taste for opera waned somewhat Handel turned to the creation of Old Testament-based oratorios in English which werebasically unstaged operas on Biblical themes and which were a great success. This unforgettable music is regal propulsive light-hearted and to 21st century ears extremely familiar. Not only is it frequently chosen as awedding march but can also be found as a ringtone. Nevertheless the joyous message of Handel’s great piece is unbowed and ready to be enjoyed in this Piano arrangement.

Oratorio in three parts-Israel in Egypt HWV 54Oratorio in three partsThe versions of the 1739 and 1756?7 performances The distinguishing feature of our new edition is that it reproduces Israel in Egypt in its complete three-part form: The Lamentation of the Israelites for the Death of Joseph Exodus and Moses? Song. It was in this form that the work was given at its London premiere on 4 April 1739. Handel made extensive changes for the second performance. The reason is often said to have been the audience?s dissatisfaction with the work?s unusual design. However he may possibly only have wanted to satisfy the whims of asoprano who felt under-represented with solo material. Israel in Egypt is made up of a series of contrasting and artfully constructed choruses separated only by a few numbers for solo voice. Part 1 is entirely given to the chorus Part 2 largely so and Part 3 while containing most of the solo numbers still gives ample room to the chorus. Handel shortened several choral numbers and may have taken the opportunity to alter the opening of Exodus. He also added five arias and a recitative for the soprano Elisabeth Duparc. These arias had already been written for insertion in other works of the 1730s and two of them had been sung a short while previously in An Oratorio (1738). There is no libretto containing the changes introduced at the second performance. All the insert arias are reproduced in Appendix 1 of Volume I/14 of the complete edition. The next performance of the piece did not occur until 1756. Handel now compiled an entirely new Part 1 containing a balanced proportion of choral and solo numbers by selecting items from Solomon the Occasional Oratorio and the Peace Anthem. The two other parts retained their original form apart from a few cuts in the choruses and the addition in Part 3 of the aria ?Hope hope a pure and lasting treasure? from the second version of Esther (for both 1756 and 1757) and the aria ?Toss?d from thought to thought? from Alexander Balus (for 1757). Our new edition makes it possible for the first time to perform Israel in Egypt in three different versions: that of the premiere

The third act from the Handel's popular symphony Solomon otherwise known as The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba has been authentically set by Watson Forbes in a versatile arrangement for Strings. This piece can be played by Violin or Viola or two Violins two Violas or a Violin and Viola; all with Piano accompaniment. Either as a duet or solo this is a delightful piece for intermediate to advanced players and will bring much joy into concerts and performances.

from the Oratorio Solomon-John Leavitt gives us a perfect introduction to this masterwork. Thoughtfully arranged and easy to sing add the optional string parts to complete your presentation.Available separately: SATB SA and Instrumental Pak (score andparts for Violin 1 & 2 Viola Cello and Contrabass). Performance Time: Approx. 3:20