Handel's Largo

George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel (arr. Michael Brand)

Subtitle: From Xerxes

General Info

Year: 1738 / 2007
Duration: c. 3:20
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Opera aria
Publisher: G & M Brand
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $49.00 | Score Only (print) - $10.00

Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1

Flute I
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I
E-flat Alto Saxophone I
B-flat Trumpet I

Part 2

Oboe
Flute II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet II
E-flat Alto Saxophone II
B-flat Trumpet II

Part 3

B-flat Soprano Clarinet III
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet III
Horn in F I

Part 4

Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet IV
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
Horn in F II
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

Piano
Percussion, including:

Bass Drum
Glockenspiel
Snare Drum
Tenor Drum

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Serse ( English title: Xerxes; HWV 40) is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in London on 15 April 1738. The opera is set in Persia (modern-day Iran) about 470 BC and is very loosely based upon Xerxes I of Persia.

The opening aria, Ombra mai fu, sung by Xerxes to a plane tree (Platanus orientalis), is set to one of Handel's best-known melodies, and is often known as Handel's Largo (despite being marked "larghetto" in the score).

- Program Note from Wikipedia

Performance Notes

This score can be played by as few as four players provided each of the four parts is covered. Additionally, each "choir" within the band – woodwinds, saxophones and brass – is complete so the band director can use contrasting choirs for different sections for variety. The B-flat Clarinets form a separate choir.

There are four B-flat Clarinet lines, but Clarinets II, III and IV are written below the break. If Part 1 is covered by Flute, Alto Saxophone or Trumpet, then Clarinet I may be omitted.

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Works for Winds by This Composer

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Handel's Largo (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Brand) (1738/2007)
See the Conquering Hero Comes (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Brand) (1746/2007)
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Resources

Perusal score
Serse, Wikipedia Accessed 27 July 2020