Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549382 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492289. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549382). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Small Ensemble Clarinet,Flute,Oboe,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.576919 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by David Warin Solomons. Children,Contemporary,Folk,World. Score and parts. 9 pages. David Warin Solomons #519541. Published by David Warin Solomons (A0.576919). Donkey Riding is a traditional work song or sea shanty originally sung in Canada, Scotland and the North Eastern United States. It has also become popular as a children's song. The earliest written record of the song dates to 1857. It is generally assumed agreed that the donkey of the song title is a reference to the steam donkey, a kind of general-purpose steam engine. In this arrangement, each of the melody instruments takes a turn at playing a simple variation on the tune while the piano tinkles gracefully around the harmonies. The sound sample is an electronic preview. The pdf file contains score and parts (including a separate piano part) Versions are available for string trio and piano, wind trio and piano and saxophone trio and piano. There is also a simpler version for three part choir and piano on this site.

E-Flat Clarinet,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549379 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492251. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549379). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Unison chorus - Digital Download SKU: C7.CGA1146 Composed by Hal H Hopson. Christmas, Easter, General. Select Voices. Sacred Anthem. Octavo. 8 pages. Chorister's Guild - Digital #CGA1146. Published by Chorister's Guild - Digital (C7.CGA1146). UPC: 749193013687.This noble anthem is based on the St. Anthony Chorale tune, generally attributed to Franz Joseph Haydn. The unison vocal part may be voiced in a variety of ways using children’s choir, adult choir, or combined children’s and adult choirs. The well-crafted accompaniment enhances an easy-to-learn melody by providing both support and interest to the vocal line. Based on selected verses from Psalm 98 and Psalm 150, the text reminds us to sing and praise the Lord forever..

Brass Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.808638 Composed by John Henry Hopkins Jr. Arranged by F. Leslie Smith. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 28 pages. Sweetwater Brass Press #511291. Published by Sweetwater Brass Press (A0.808638).    John Henry Hopkins, Jr., served as both rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and music teacher at General Theological Seminary in New York City. In 1857 he wrote the words and music of this carol for the Seminary’s Christmas pageant. Hopkins’ composition was well received, and he included it in his 1863 publication, Carols, Hymns, and Songs. We Three Kings went on to become generally popular, the first U.S.-written Christmas carol to do so.

Full Orchestra - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1493082 By Eric Coates. By Eric Coates. Arranged by Kevin Riley. 20th Century,Patriotic. 91 pages. Kevin Riley #1069754. Published by Kevin Riley (A0.1493082). Music While You Work was a daytime radio programme of continuous live popular music broadcast in the United Kingdom twice daily on workdays from 23 June 1940 ]until 29 September 1967 by the BBC. Initially, the morning edition was generally broadcast on the BBC Home Service at 10:30am, with the afternoon edition at 3pm on the Forces/General Forces Programme - and after the war on the BBC Light Programme. Between August 1942 and July 1945, a third edition was broadcast at 10:30pm for night-shift workers.The programme began in World War II with the idea that playing non-stop popular/light music at an even tempo would help factory workers become more productive.[4][5] It originally consisted of live music (light orchestras, dance bands, brass and military bands and small instrumental ensembles). In order to make studios more available during the day, it was decided in 1963 that the shows would be pre-recorded (often in the evening or on Sundays).

Flute,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549375 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492231. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549375). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Oboe,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549386 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492325. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549386). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.881498 Composed by W. David Hedrick. Christian,Sacred. Octavo. 10 pages. William David Hedrick #33323. Published by William David Hedrick (A0.881498). Psalm 150 is the KJV text used for Praise Ye The Lord! It is an energetic piece designed for choirs in general but aimed at youth choirs of churches or young choirs in middle school and high school. The composition is SATB with easy unison sections and easily sung parts with piano accompaniment. There is an optional flute part (or C instrument) that adds extra interest to the overall performance. The piece is suitable for most concert venues where sacred music is performed and can be performed by college and adult groups as well. The piece is generally easy to medium easy for young singers. The audio clip is a computer rendering in Finale.

Choral Choir (SSAA) - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1077776 By Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. By Irving Berlin. Arranged by Jeanne Elmuccio. A Cappella,Christmas,Holiday. Octavo. 4 pages. Jeanne Elmuccio #681960. Published by Jeanne Elmuccio (A0.1077776). Voice, Women's barbershop chorus or quartet (SSAA) - Intermediate; General or Holiday use; Arranged by Jeanne Elmuccio. Note: In this style of music, the bass clef notes are sung an octave higher than written. The melody generally lies in the Lead (Alto) part.

Instrumental Solo,Oboe d'Amore,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549387 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and individual part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492327. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549387). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Guitar - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1495038 By Cream. By Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Arranged by Marcelo Borba. Blues,Folk,Jazz,Rock,Standards. Chords/Lyrics. 19 pages. Marcelo Borba #1071601. Published by Marcelo Borba (A0.1495038). Voice (singer) + Guitar Tablature + Bass Tablature. general and individual scores. FULL transcribed guitar solo and bass. The song Badge is a famous track that emerged from a collaboration between George Harrison of The Beatles and Eric Clapton, one of the most renowned guitarists in rock. This song is part of the album *Goodbye* (1969) by the band Cream, which Clapton was a member of, along with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. The story behind Badge is interesting and reflects the close friendship between Harrison and Clapton at the time.### Collaboration and CreationGeorge Harrison and Eric Clapton were great friends, and this friendship resulted in several musical collaborations over the years. Badge was written during a session where both were together. Harrison wrote the main part of the song, while Clapton contributed the characteristic guitar riff and melody.### The Title BadgeThe story of the song's title is curious. According to reports, Harrison wrote the word Bridge in the draft of the song to indicate a transition part. Clapton, reading the draft, mistakenly interpreted the word as Badge. They found the confusion amusing and decided to keep Badge as the official title of the song.### Ringo Starr's ContributionRingo Starr, drummer of The Beatles, also participated in the creation of Badge. He contributed a line of lyrics that says, I told you not to wander around in the dark. Starr's involvement in the creation of the song is further proof of the frequent interactions between The Beatles members and Clapton.### Release and ReceptionBadge was released as part of Cream's *Goodbye* album and became one of the album's most memorable songs. Although it was a collaboration, the song is generally credited to Clapton and Harrison. The song is known for its iconic guitar riff and the blend of rock and blues elements.This collaboration between George Harrison and Eric Clapton is an example of how friendship and mutual respect between musicians can result in unique and enduring creations. Badge is a song that is still appreciated by fans of classic rock and highlights the genius of the artists involved.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549373 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3491405. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549373). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Instrumental Duet,Piano C Trumpet,Instrumental Duet,Piano,Trombone - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1206435 Composed by Elizabeth Raum. Chamber,Contemporary. 36 pages. Gordon Cherry #804638. Published by Gordon Cherry (A0.1206435). Below are the program notes for Illusion for Trumpet, Bass Trombone & Piano by Elizabeth Raum.Illusion, is a general commentary to the fact that life is mysterious and generally, uncertain, constantly shifting. We try to influence what happens but usually, outside forces determine the direction of our lives. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between illusion and reality, and, in fact, often people much prefer illusion to reality. Mv. 1 - Illusion starts out with an obscure time signature and is constantly shifting tonalities so for a while, you aren’t quite sure where you are. Life is full of such deceptions.Mv. 2 - Fill the Wine Cup is a series of drinking songs with a lot of gayety and rollocking humour as the party gets more raucous, but eventually things get a little blurry and bombastic and the party winds down. The trombone, due to its ability to imitate drunken reeling with glissandos, is often cast in this role. M. 3 - Destiny seems to march on and on, with mankind hoping to control their future, but the implication is that fate is more powerful than one can control.M. 4 - The ultimate illusion: a Political Debate. The trombone starts out as the first candidate, and the saxophone is the other. The music is circus-like as befits many heated debates.Illusion was commissioned by Lucas Kaspar and JD Little. The original version was written for Alto Sax and Bass TromboneThe work of about 10 minutes in length is appropriate for advanced performers and may also be performed on a Trombone with an f-attachment.This work can be performed on a Trombone with an f-attachment and is appropriate for advanced performers.

Baritone Saxophone,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549384 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492299. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549384). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore.Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany, but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is important to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel nevertheless began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, the Sinfonia from act 3 was featured the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performance. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has, all in all, expanded.   Register for free lifetime updates and revisions of this product at www.jamesguthrie.com.