Recit and Largo by Handel from Serse (Xerxes) for flute choir /ensemble
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SKU: A0.874259
Composed by G F Handel. Arranged by a " do Ray me " flute studio production, Ray-Michael Kauffman. Contemporary,Opera,Sacred,Standards. 25 pages. As " do Ray me"flute studio production #5020533. Published by as " do Ray me"flute studio production (A0.874259).
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Recit and Largo, from the opera Serse (Xerxes) by G. F. Handel , arranged for flute choir/ ensemble by me (Ray-Michael Kauffman) .
dedicated in loving memory to friend and flutist William " Bill" Hoff.
SERSE (English title: Xerxes) is an "opera seria " (usually an 18th century Italian opera-an opera on a serious, usually classical or mythological theme) composed by George Frideric Handel.
Serse is in three acts , and was first performed in London on April 15th, 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.
The first part of my arrangement, the recit (or recitative ) is sung speech, mostly in a soliloquy style and accompanied by broken chords . Generally, the recit is quick sung speech, with a lot of words that may provide a lot of story of important events in the opera. This would have not worked exactly in my arrangement for flute ensemble, so I added my touches to make this as an aria with several sequential minor chords, religious in nature, which was appropriate for memorial service. Originally, the recit was so sung exactly prior to the largo, so I included this short theme prior to the largo.
The second section, called Ombra mae fu ( "never was a shade") sung by lead character about the love of a tree/ life/ beauty and love in general. The opera takes place in the summer home of Serse, and Serse sings to/about the tree. This is considered Handel’s best and finest opera by enthusiasts.
I, like many flutists and other musicians was familiar with the melody of the largo, but I never knew the words nor meaning about the song. When I learned the words and meaning, I thought how serendipitous this piece is for my friend. My friend 's gentle and stoic personality and character is much like the song and of a tree.
Ombra Mai Fu (never was a shade )
Frondi tenere e belle del mio platano amato per voi risplenda il fato. Tuoni, lampi, e procelle non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace, né giunga a profanarvi austro rapace.
Ombra mai fu di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più.
Tender and beautiful frond s of my beloved plane tree , let Fate smile upon you . May thunder, lightning, and storm s never disturb your dear peace , nor may you by blowing winds be profaned .
Never was a shad e of any plan t dearer and more lovely , or more sweet.
Flute choir / ensemble arrangement for larger , fuller ensemble. Scored or piccolo, 6 c flutes, 1st and 2nd alto flute, bass and contra bass parts.
Perfect for any concert, tree/arbor themed / nature themed programs, graduation, recital, wedding, memorial services, or any other concert and presentation. Let this standard for classical music enthusiasts become a concert favorite for you ensemble and audience.
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