Par HAENDEL GEORG FRIEDRICH. Handel composed the 'Te Deum” in B-flat major HWV 281 in 1718 for the future Duke of Chandos, hence its nickname 'Chandos Te Deum”. Here it is called 'Te Deum for Cannons” after the Duke's stately home named Cannons where the first performance took place. The unusual scoring for flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, two violins and basso continuo plus a choir (one soprano, three tenors and a bass) probably reflects the musicians which were available at Cannons, bearing in mind that three tenors were used also in 'Acis and Galatea”, the masque which was composed at almost the same time. Though in many respects this 'Te Deum” is reminiscent of the 'Utrecht Te Deum”, its smaller forces tend to give it more the character of chamber music. This edition is based on the Urtext from the 'Halle Handel Edition” (BA 10708), which offers the first complete scholarly text of the music for the 'Te Deum”./ Répertoire / Alto

Composed in 1741 Handel's Messiah has remained a popular choice for choir performances for nearly 275 years. With 3 Steps To Sing anyone can now learn and rehearse the piece at home, regardless of their ability to read music.This easy-to-follow learning method for the Alto part includes the following steps:Step 1 - Visual Learning DVDA voice part recorded by a professional singer (Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass). The notes and words are displayed on the screen and change colour in time with the music - all you have to do is join in as if singing a duet to learn your part.Step 2 - Voice Part Rehearsal CDIn this second step a narrator guides you, telling you when to sing and calling out where you are so that you don't get lost. Rehearse using your vocal score (available separately) and you will soon know the words and be singing the right notes.Step 3 - Chorus Backing Track CDPut what you've learned into practice with the third step, the Chorus Backing Track CD. Listen out for your part and sing along with the choir and background music - it's like singing with a real choir. / Alto