George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel (1685 – 1759 )
was a German-British Baroque composer well known for
his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and
organ concertos. Handel received his training in Halle
and worked as a composer in Hamburg and Italy before
settling in London in 1712, where he spent the bulk of
his career and became a naturalised British subject in
1727. He was strongly influenced both by the
middle-German polyphonic choral tradition and by
composers of the Italian B...(+)
George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel (1685 – 1759 )
was a German-British Baroque composer well known for
his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and
organ concertos. Handel received his training in Halle
and worked as a composer in Hamburg and Italy before
settling in London in 1712, where he spent the bulk of
his career and became a naturalised British subject in
1727. He was strongly influenced both by the
middle-German polyphonic choral tradition and by
composers of the Italian Baroque. In turn, Handel's
music forms one of the peaks of the "high baroque"
style, bringing Italian opera to its highest
development, creating the genres of English oratorio
and organ concerto, and introducing a new style into
English church music. He is consistently recognized as
one of the greatest composers of his age.
The Choice of Hercules (HWV 69) is an oratorio in one
act (three scenes) by George Frideric Handel. Handel
produced the score between 28 June and 5 July 1750. The
first performance was given on 1 March 1751 at the
Covent Garden Theatre, London with Cecilia Young as
Virtue, Isabella Young as Hercules, and Thomas Lowe as
attendant. The libretto is derived from the poem (1743)
of Robert Lowth but revised, probably, by Thomas
Morell.
The story centres on the Choice of Hercules, in which
the youthful Hercules must decide between the paths of
pleasure and virtue. These are represented by two women
who present their various arguments to Hercules, and
his confusion is articulated in the trio Where shall I
go?. The classical myth of "the choice of Hercules," as
told by the 5th-century Athenian sophist Prodicus
(Xenophon Memorabilia 2.1.21-34), anticipates that
Hercules will choose to follow Virtue's path. And,
indeed, the Chorus sings ( Chorus, 24) that "Virtue
will place thee in that blest abode, Crown'd with
immortal youth, Among the gods a god!"
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Choice_of_Hercules_(
Handel)).
Although originally composed for 2 Violins, Soprano and
Basso Continuo, I created this Arrangement of "Enjoy
the sweet Elysian grove" from the Choice of Hercules
(HWV 69 Mvt. 16) for Winds (Flute, Oboe, French Horn &
Bassoon) & Strings (2 Violins, Viola & Cello).
SHEET MUSIC