Orchestra Orchestra

SKU: PR.41641371L

For Chamber Orchestra. Composed by Clint Needham. Contemporary. Large Score. With Standard notation. Composed 2008. 93 pages. Duration 22 minutes. Theodore Presser Company #416-41371L. Published by Theodore Presser Company (PR.41641371L).

UPC: 680160587179. 11 x 14 inches.

Needham's original intent with Chamber Symphony was to encapsulate the 2008 presidential election, from the Democratic primaries to the historic general election campaign and win of Barack Obama. But, says Needham, In the midst of the general election circus, I decided to broaden my inspiration and have the work's overall goal focus on the larger ideas of hope and transformation.

Cello

SKU: HL.48186421

Leduc. CD. 20 pages. Alphonse Leduc #AL30641. Published by Alphonse Leduc (HL.48186421).

UPC: 888680831660. 9.0x12.0x0.08 inches.

“Born in 1961, French composer Nicolas Bacri began learning the piano at age seven before entering the Paris Conservatoire. Bacri's career has seen him winning many prizes for his compositions and with Melodies of Melancholy composed as recently as 2012, he remains a prolific composer. Bacri's catalogue contains a wide variety of compositions, from 8 String Quartets to 6 Symphonies. Melodies of Melancholy for Soprano and Piano, Opus 119a, is made up of four songs using the lyrics of Alvaro Escobar Molina, a Colombian writer who currently resides in Paris. The songs are; 1) To the Sea, 2) Hush, my Child, 3) Some Say, and 4) Only. With the volume beginning with the lyrics in French, English, German or Spanish, Bacri's Melodies of Melancholy is highly versatile and makes for an exciting performance work for advanced Sopranos.”.

Guitar

SKU: HL.278175

Supplement to Any Guitar Method. By Various. Guitar Method. Christmas, Pop. Softcover Audio Online. 32 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.278175).

ISBN 9781540029522. UPC: 888680752569. 9x12 inches. Hal Leonard Guitar Method.

Strum along with your favorite holiday hits, correlated to work with any guitar method book 1. The songs are presented in order of difficulty – featuring 15 songs in all. Includes: Away in a Manger • C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S • Deck the Hall • Feliz Navidad • I Saw Three Ships • Jingle Bells • Jolly Old St. Nicholas • Joy to the World • The Little Drummer Boy • Nuttin' for Christmas • O Come, All Ye Faithful • Silent Night • Silver Bells • The Star Carol (Canzone D'i Zampognari) • Up on the Housetop. The accompanying audio features every song recorded by a full band, so you can hear how each song sounds and then play along when you're ready. The audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

About Hal Leonard Guitar Method

The world-famous Hal Leonard Guitar Method is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. The Hal Leonard Guitar Method provides a complete system to playing success which includes three levels of instruction and a myriad of play-along supplemental songbooks that let students play great songs while they're still learning to play.

Guitar

SKU: HL.122015

The Basics and Beyond by Joshua Ray. By Joshua Ray. Guitar Educational. Instruction, Technique. Softcover Video Online. With guitar tablature. 16 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.122015).

ISBN 9781480354074. UPC: 884088946586. 9x12 inches.

The exceptionally talented Joshua Ray, lead guitarist for Shania Twain, brings you this exclusive instructional book and video pack, featuring his full video lessons with demonstrations and discussion of every lick and concept. Joshua's rock, blues and country lick lessons take you deep into the anatomy of each idea through examination of their applications, variations, scale sources, possibilities, and beyond. The accompanying book includes easy to-use rhythm tab notation for every lick and scale in the video. The video is accessed online for download or streaming using the unique code found inside each book. Great for the beginning to advanced guitarist!

Wind quintet

SKU: FG.55011-763-1

Composed by Esa Pietilä. Classical, contemporary. Score & parts. Fennica Gehrman #55011-763-1. Published by Fennica Gehrman (FG.55011-763-1).

ISBN 9790550117631.

Esa Pietilä's The Wind Wants for wind quintet examins various kinds of wind: A balmy summer breeze suddenly gives way to an autumn gale that blows with all its might, whips round corners, forms flurries and howls in the treetops, describes the composer. The work includes improvisational episodes, the duration is c. 16 minutes.

This product includes the score and parts. Have a look inside by clicking sample.

Children's Choir; Unison with optional 2-part and 3-part choir

SKU: LP.765762091122

A Kids' Musical about Storing Up Treasures in Heaven. Composed by Jeff Smith & C. Barny Robertson. Choral. Multicultural and Sacred. Stereo CD. Published by Lillenas Publishing Company (LP.765762091122).

UPC: 765762091122.

Jeff Smith's children's musical, Pirates of the I Don't Care-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit especially if your kids love the hilarious silly songs from VeggieTales, the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. The musical will reach not only kids, but your congregation with a great message of the Gospel. The story is set inside Pirate Park, home of the Plattsburg Pirates (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff's favorite baseball team!). It is a pirate night at the stadium and families are in the bleachers dressed as pirates to support their woefully bad team. Similar to Dorothy traveling back to the Land of Oz, the story starts with a dream sequence where a young fan named Andy gets hit in the head with a baseball and travels to a fantastical island in the Caribbean called Johnny Bay. As the story unfolds, you learn that the pirates don't remember anything about their past or how they came to Johnny Bay. All they know is that they are required to guard the captain's treasure from anyone who may want to steal it away. Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea. During a time when pirate movies are popular, this musical will connect with kids as well as adults and draw them in to something that is both fun and spiritually educational.

Professio nal quality recording useful as an aid for choir members learning the music, or for personal enjoyment and meditation times. (Performance demo - not an accompaniment CD.).

Jazz Ensemble; Trombone (Trombone) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877507

Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Media Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877507).

ISBN 9781495079085. UPC: 888680651992. 9.0x12.0x0.162 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Jazz Ensemble (Conductor) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877502

Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Audio Online. 240 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877502).

ISBN 9781495079023. UPC: 888680651947. 9.0x12.0x0.568 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Bb Trumpet Bb Trumpet; Jazz Ensemble (Trumpet) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877506

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble Book 2 - Bb Trumpet. Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Media Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877506).

ISBN 9781495079078. UPC: 888680651985. 9.0x12.0x0.126 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

C Treble/Vibes C Treble Instruments; Jazz Ensemble; Vibes (Treb Clef C) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877512

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble Book 2 - C Treble/Vibes. Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Media Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877512).

ISBN 9781495079139. UPC: 888680652043. 9.0x12.0x0.128 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Children's Choir; Unison with optional 2-part and 3-part choir

SKU: LP.765762091429

A Kids' Musical about Storing Up Treasures in Heaven. Composed by Jeff Smith & C. Barny Robertson. Musical. Multicultural and Sacred. Stereo accompaniment CD. Published by Lillenas Publishing Company (LP.765762091429).

UPC: 765762091429.

Jeff Smith's children's musical, Pirates of the I Don't Care-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit especially if your kids love the hilarious silly songs from VeggieTales, the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. The musical will reach not only kids, but your congregation with a great message of the Gospel. The story is set inside Pirate Park, home of the Plattsburg Pirates (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff's favorite baseball team!). It is a pirate night at the stadium and families are in the bleachers dressed as pirates to support their woefully bad team. Similar to Dorothy traveling back to the Land of Oz, the story starts with a dream sequence where a young fan named Andy gets hit in the head with a baseball and travels to a fantastical island in the Caribbean called Johnny Bay. As the story unfolds, you learn that the pirates don't remember anything about their past or how they came to Johnny Bay. All they know is that they are required to guard the captain's treasure from anyone who may want to steal it away. Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea. During a time when pirate movies are popular, this musical will connect with kids as well as adults and draw them in to something that is both fun and spiritually educational.

Stereo accompaniment trax for performance use. High quality orchestral performance and recording. Note - does not include rehearsal (internal) CD points.

Bass; Jazz Ensemble (Bass) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877510

Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Media Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877510).

ISBN 9781495079115. UPC: 888680652029. 9.0x12.0x0.122 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Bb Tenor Saxophone Jazz Ensemble; Tenor Sax (Tenor Sax) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877504

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble Book 2 - Bb Tenor Saxophone. Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Audio Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877504).

ISBN 9781495079054. UPC: 888680651961. 9.0x12.0x0.135 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Eb Baritone Saxophone Eb Baritone Saxophone; Jazz Ensemble (Baritone Sax) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877505

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble Book 2 - Eb Baritone Saxopho. Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Audio Online. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877505).

ISBN 9781495079061. UPC: 888680651978. 9.0x12.0x0.13 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Children's Choir; Unison with optional 2-part and 3-part choir

SKU: LP.765762002937

A Kids' Musical about Storing Up Treasures in Heaven. Composed by Jeff Smith & C. Barny Robertson. Musical. Multicultural and Sacred. Demonstration DVD. Published by Lillenas Publishing Company (LP.765762002937).

UPC: 765762002937.

Jeff Smith's children's musical, Pirates of the I Don't Care-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit especially if your kids love the hilarious silly songs from VeggieTales, the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. The musical will reach not only kids, but your congregation with a great message of the Gospel. The story is set inside Pirate Park, home of the Plattsburg Pirates (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff's favorite baseball team!). It is a pirate night at the stadium and families are in the bleachers dressed as pirates to support their woefully bad team. Similar to Dorothy traveling back to the Land of Oz, the story starts with a dream sequence where a young fan named Andy gets hit in the head with a baseball and travels to a fantastical island in the Caribbean called Johnny Bay. As the story unfolds, you learn that the pirates don't remember anything about their past or how they came to Johnny Bay. All they know is that they are required to guard the captain's treasure from anyone who may want to steal it away. Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea. During a time when pirate movies are popular, this musical will connect with kids as well as adults and draw them in to something that is both fun and spiritually educational.

The DVD includes: Production Video (complete with drama and music scenes, choreography helps, set and prop descriptions) * Production Notes including direction on costuming, staging, and props.

Jazz Ensemble; Piano (Piano) - Grade 3

SKU: HL.877509

Instrumental Jazz. Instruction, Method. Softcover Media Online. 88 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.877509).

ISBN 9781495079108. UPC: 888680652012. 9.0x12.0x0.251 inches. Mike Steinel Books with Online Audio.

Mike Steinel's follow-up book to his popular Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble features a wealth of instructional material that can be used in a full band setting or individually. After a brief review of style basics, this comprehensive method includes a section of daily warm-ups and workouts for rehearsal, followed by a variety of lessons covering specific styles and improvisation concepts. Each lesson ends with a full band performance piece. Take your students to the next level with this masterful approach! Features • Review of important concepts from Book 1 • Warm-ups and workouts for the start of rehearsals • Lessons covering a variety of jazz styles and improvisation concepts • Nine rewarding full band pieces that reinforce each lesson • Information on the cities, regions, and people influencing the evolution of jazz • Recordings of all exercises, including full band arrangements and sample solos* • Grade/Level 3 * Each book includes an access code for audio files on “MyLibrary” (internet required.) Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Book/Online Audio Ukulele

SKU: HL.703890

Ukulele. Folk. Softcover Audio Online. With guitar tablature. 64 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.703890).

ISBN 9781458477231. UPC: 884088659431. 9.0x12.0x0.179 inches. Lil' Rev and John Nicholson.

Take a journey back in time with folk masters Lil' Rev and John Nicholson in this delightful collection of old-time fiddle tunes arranged for ukulele. Southern string band, bluegrass, and hillbilly music are covered as well as song forms such as reels, jigs, blues, rags, hornpipes, polkas, and more. Featuring a variety of ukulele picking styles, each exciting instrumental piece in this songbook is carefully arranged for solo ukulele in standard notation and tablature. Chord grids are also included so you can play along with others or with your own string band. Playing level varies from very easy to very advanced, so there's something inside for everyone, and something for everyone to aspire to! This unique collection also includes historical notes, rare photos, and access to full-band audio backing tracks for play-along fun! Online audio is accessed at halleonard.com/mylibrary.

Chamber Orchestra; Orchestra; String Orchestra (Study Score)

SKU: HL.48024880

Study Score. Composed by James Macmillan. Boosey & Hawkes Scores/Books. Classical. Softcover. 80 pages. Duration 900 seconds. Boosey & Hawkes #M060136009. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48024880).

ISBN 9781784545154. UPC: 840126918670. 7.25x10.25x0.319 inches.

This publication presents under one cover various short works for sundry orchestral scorings. Larghetto for Orchestra is MacMillan's orchestration (2017) of his celebrated Miserere for a cappella mixed choir (2009), a setting in Latin of Psalm 51, 'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy', the penitential text famously set in the 17th century by Gregorio Allegri. The Larghetto orchestration was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in celebration of Manfred Honeck's 10th Anniversary as Music Director. Memoire imperiale is one of a number of variations on General John Reids march tune Old Gaul commissioned from Scottish composers to mark the centenary in 1994 of the Faculty of Music at Edinburgh University. The Faculty was established following a bequest by General Reid (1721-1807), a former law student at the University and a renowned flute player and composer of marches for the BritishArmy, and he asked that an annual concert be organised at which one or more of his compositions be played. Composed in 2012 for the Britten Sinfonia, One is a monody in which a single line is passed around the instruments, painting it with different colours as it emerges and develops. Lasting only a few minutes, its singularity is maintained until blossoming in the lastfew bars. For Sonny (2011, orch 2013) and Ein Lamplein verlosch (2018, orch 2019) are short, private memorial tributes originally for string quartet and here rescored for string orchestra. Hirta was composed in 2016 as part of Deccas The Lost Songs of St Kilda project. Nearly a century ago, the last 36 residents were evacuated from the most remote part of the British Isles, St Kilda, an isolated archipelago off the beautiful and rugged western coast of Scotland. After 86 years, the music of St Kilda was rediscovered, recorded in a Scottish care home by Trevor Morrison, an elderly man who had been taught piano by an inhabitant of St Kilda. The songs were 'reimagined' for the Decca album by various.

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.