This intelligent arrangement of the Queen of Sheba is just as exhilarating as the original. All the parts are well-written and interesting to play, with the larger flutes driving the musical direction throughout. Making use of Handel's 'concerto grosso' format, there is plenty of scope for soloists to shine which is great if you are using large mixed ability forces. This would make a wonderful opening to any concert and, if used as a finale, will send everyone home happy.
The 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' is a piece from Georg Friedrich Handel's oratorio "Solomon", written in 1748 and performed for the first time on March 17, 1749. The arrangements presented here can be performed both by a flute orchestra and a quartet including solo instruments. When using the quartet version, the orchestration "3 flutes and bass flute" should be given preference over the other instrumentations ("3 flutes and alto flute" or "4 flutes"), because it sounds better and does not interfere with Handel's conduct of voices.
Performance duration (approx): 4'
