Preview: Overture To Berenice
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SKU: A0.870417
Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by Randy A. Steinberg. Classical. Score and parts. 16 pages. Randy A. Steinberg #2054427. Published by Randy A. Steinberg (A0.870417).When the première of Handel's opera Berenice, Regina d'Egitto', took place at the Covent Garden theatre on 18 May 1737, the London opera scene and particularly the composer himself could be found at a critical point of existence. At this time, audience support for opera was fading and Handel faced both financial and health problems. In this situation Handel came with an opera composed to an older libretto by Antonio Salvi, first time set to music in 1709 in Florence. In so complicated a plot as 'Berenice', filled with amorous intrigues set in ancient Egypt, the story of Egyptian Queen Berenice is presented. She is asked to marry a young Roman nobleman, Alexander (Alessandro), in the name of friendly relations with Rome. Berenice refuses this offer because she is already betrothed to Prince Demetrius (Demetrio) who is secretly in love with Berenice's sister Selene. In order to thwart Berenice and set his beloved on the throne, Demetrio plots with an Egyptian enemy to overthrow the Queen. After his secret activities have been discovered, he is imprisoned and sentenced to death. However, after many new reversals the opera ends happily: Demetrius gets back his freedom and Alexander who proved his unshakable love to Berenice becomes her husband and co-ruler. From the musical viewpoint there are some remarkable moments in this opera. It is opened with an exceptional overture, which has appeared separately in concert halls many times. The main fast section is presented here in a lively presentation for brass quintet.
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