HANDEL – Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – TWO CELLOS AND PIANO

Other Identification:
ARRIVAL OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA (Sinfonia from the opening of Act III from the Oratorio ‘Solomon’)
composed in 1749 by G.F. HANDEL
….
The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, is a ‘sinfonia’ for two oboes and strings by George Frideric Handel that premiered in London on 17th March, 1749, as the first scene of Act III in the oratorio ‘Solomon’.
One of the last of Handel’s many oratorios (indeed one of his last compositions), Solomon is today rarely performed in its entirety, but the bright and lively “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” interlude is a most widely appreciated processional set piece. It often was, and is, played during wedding ceremonies. Also, a noted public performance of the piece occurred during the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Act 3 of the oratorio therefore begins with the very famous sinfonia known as “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”, a bright and sprightly orchestral piece featuring the two oboes as soloists, in this case as orchestrated by David Johnstone these are portrayed by Cellos 1 and 2; logically, in performances by a larger cello ensemble or orchestra these are to be played by a single soloist of each section.
Sir Thomas Beecham is believed to have been first to have given the name “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” to this sinfonia! Also, finally to mention that David Johnstone transposes the piece into A Major to gain greater virtuosism and brightness.