Soloists, Mixed choir, Orchestra

SKU: BA.BA04025-01

Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Georg-Friedrich-Händel -Gesellschaft e. V. Risinger and Mark. This edition: Complete edition. Linen. Complete edition, Score. HWV 58. Baerenreiter Verlag #BA04025-01. Published by Baerenreiter Verlag (BA.BA04025-01).

ISBN 9790006443222. 33 x 26 cm inches. Text Language: English.

Handelâ?? s â??Semeleâ?, which premiered in February 1744, is based on an adapted version of William Congreveâ??s opera libretto titled â??The Story of Semeleâ?, originally published in 1706. However, neither Handel nor his librettist referred to â??Semeleâ? as an opera or an oratorio, which, according to the understanding at the time, would have required a biblical and/or Christian subject matter. Contemporary audiences also disagreed on the genre. The problematic classification as an oratorio has persisted into the present day, likely due to the edition labeled as such by Chrysander. The â??Halle Handel Editionâ? (HHA) distances itself from this classification and, considering the available sources, refrains from assigning a genre label.

Congreve deviates from the mythological source multiple times in order to create tensions among the characters. The desired marriage between Semele and Athamas, whom she does not love, is an addition by Congreve to provoke the envy of her sister Ino, who desires Athamas herself. Therefore, Ino sees her own advantage in Semeleâ??s abduction by Jupiter. While Jupiterâ??s wife Juno decides to destroy Semele out of jealousy for his relationship with her, Jupiter brings Ino to his palace to console Semele. The vengeful Juno takes advantage of Inoâ??s presence and transforms into her likeness, persuading Semele to carry out a plan that later proves fatal. In the end, Ino emerges as the winner, as she is able to convince their father, Cadmus, to marry her to Athamas. The appearance of Apollo in the final scene to announce that Semeleâ??s immortal son Bacchus was saved from her ashes provides little consolation. However, this twist allows the drama to conclude with exuberant joy and a magnificent final chorus after the tragic scenes in the third act, culminating in the death of the protagonist.

Hande lâ??s autograph score shows significant deviations from and numerous revisions of the original version premiered. All surviving early versions, the musical movements deleted before the premiere, and the version of the December 1744, are given in the appendix to the HHA.

4 parts mixed choir, piano - Level 3-4

SKU: HF.FH-5102

Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Haake. Sheet music. Friedrich Hofmeister Musikverlag #FH 5102. Published by Friedrich Hofmeister Musikverlag (HF.FH-5102).

ISBN 9790203451020. 8.3 x 11.7 inches.

1. Bald kundigt grosse Freude errungenen freiden an aus der Oper Scipio HWV 20; 2. Susser Frieden sei beschieden aus der Oper Berenice HWV 38; 3. Nun schwellt der ewig junge Gott aus dem Oratorium Semele HWV 58; 4. Unsterblich Heil sei euch beschert aus dem Oratorium Joseph und seine Bruder HWV 59; 5 Das Recht nur herrsch' und bluh' in unserm Land aus dem Oratorium Susanna HWV 66; 6. Segnen wird einst das Volk die Hand aus dem Gelegenheitsoratorium HWV 62; 7. Hort endlich Rat aus dem Gelegenheitsoratorium HWV 62.

Grade 3

SKU: CL.MHT-0013-01

From Semele, HWV 58. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by Hindsley. Concert Band. Extra full score. C.L. Barnhouse #MHT-0013-01. Published by C.L. Barnhouse (CL.MHT-0013-01).

Grade 3

SKU: CL.MHT-0013-00

From Semele, HWV 58. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by Hindsley. Concert Band. Score and set of parts. C.L. Barnhouse #MHT-0013-00. Published by C.L. Barnhouse (CL.MHT-0013-00).

For Vocal Soprano. Includes a high-quality printed vocal score and a compact disc with stereo accompaniments to each piece. Published by Music Minus One.

For Vocal Bass-Baritone. Includes a high-quality printed vocal score and a compact disc with stereo accompaniments to each piece. Published by Music Minus One.