Oratorio in three parts-In quite characteristic fashion for the times Handel&rs...(+)
Oratorio in three parts-In quite characteristic fashion for the times Handel’s opera “Alessandro” looks at various episodes in the life and rule of Alexander the Great (356 323 BC). This legendary warrior and military commander conquered large parts of the world before meeting an untimely end at the age of 32. A central conflict in Handel’s opera is Alessandro being in love with two women Lisaura and Rossane who compete for his favour. In addition his claim to be of divine parentage is underlined occasioning him to demand the subservience of his followers which meets with vigorous disapproval.Handel composed “Alessandro” for the Royal Academyof Music to a libretto by Paolo Antonio Rolli in the 1725/26 season. The work was premiered at the King’s Theatre in London on 5 May 1726. “Alessandro” was the first of five operas for the Royal Academy operas which saw Handel compose for three of the most famous singers of his time: Francesco Bernardi (called Senesino) Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bordoni.Ortensio Mauro’s libretto “La superbia d’Alessandro ” which was performed for the first time in Hanover in 1690 in a musical setting by Agostino Steffani and staged again in the city the following year under the title “Il zelo di Leonato” but with numerous alterations served as the source text for Handel’s “Alessandro”. One of the main aspects Rolli had to consider when preparing the libretto for the London performances was to keep the roles of the famous singers of the Royal Academy well balanced yet at the same time to engineer a musical contest between the prima donnas Cuzzoni and Bordoni (Lisaura and Rossane) as well. From a business point of view it made good sense for such rivalry would surely increase public interest in the opera.It is no longer possible to ascertain which changes Handel made during the following performance series of the 1727/28 season. For the performance series of 1732/33 Handel made substantial revisions to the opera: six numbers were deleted in their entirety the finale in part as well and the recitatives were made much shorter with the parts of Cleone and Leonato omitted
Among Verdi’s many compositions as a work of sacred music the Requiem r...(+)
Among Verdi’s many compositions as a work of sacred music the Requiem remains unique. It was composed as a musical memorial for the Italian national poet Allessandro Manzoni deeply admired by Verdi and was first performed on the first anniversary of his death on 22 May 1874 in Milan Cathedral. The exploration of many extremes places Verdi’s tonal language with musical means wholly in the service of a dramatized liturgy. The edition is based on the autograph as the primary source and makes accessible one of the most important requiem settings of the 19th century in a modern scholarly edition. In addition to the musical text the score contains a detailed foreword in threelanguages a critical report with information on the source situation the edition and the various readings. The complete performance material will be available for sale.
Charles Gounod's Requiem Op. Posth in C for SATB and Piano.Charles Gounod compos...(+)
Charles Gounod's Requiem Op. Posth in C for SATB and Piano.Charles Gounod composed this Requiem under the impact of the death of his four-year-old grandson Maurice. According to information handed down while finishing the details of this work he was overtaken by death. It was published posthumously in various constellations by his pupil Henri Busser but the only complete version from the pen of Gounod is the version for large orchestra which is published here for the first time in a critical edition.Gounod?s Requiem unlike many contemporary settings of the Mass of the Dead is not characterized by darkness and terror. Rather with all of itstrepidation expressed through a marked chromaticism an atmosphere of hopeful expectation of trust in the grace and equity of the divine judge predominates. This confidence finds its expression in the choice of the fundamental key of C major which is rather unusual for a requiem. The work was given an impressive performance on the occasion of the first anniversary of Gounod?s death in the Parisian church of Sainte-Madeleine under the direction of Gabriel Fauré and it was highly acclaimed by the contemporary press.
Composed in 1978 this is a setting of a Dutch traditional carol. The work opens ...(+)
Composed in 1978 this is a setting of a Dutch traditional carol. The work opens with an extended passage for solo Oboe molto rubato. The vocal writing includes sections for various combinations of voice-parts both with and without the Oboe. A further solo oboe passage brings the work soflty to a close. Suitable for advanced standard performers. The oboe part is available as a free download from Boosey.com.
Oratorio in three parts-Messiah occupies a unique position in Handel???s work. E...(+)
Oratorio in three parts-Messiah occupies a unique position in Handel???s work. Even if it does not represent the absolute zenith several other oratorios could challenge it in this respect its strongly universal character and directness of expression which appeal to men of all creeds make it the most renowned work in the whole of the composer???s monumental output.That this oratorio is unquestionably a work of individual character is shown by all its features: its material which presents liturgical traditions alongside popular elements; its structure which combines an ever-changing variety of elements from opera cantata concerto and anthem; its musicalorganization which at once unifies and dramatically juxtaposes the various styles. All are united in an extraordinary manner with great artistry most accomplished technique and superb invention.Urtext of the Halle Handel EditionFull score and performance material (BA4012) vocal score (BA4012-73 English; BA4012-90 English-German) and study score format 22.5 x 16.5cm (TP175) available for sale.
