Song for St Cecilia´s Day (HWV 76) (Vocal Score)

Handel Song for St Cecilia´s Day (HWV 76) (Vocal Score)

Following “Alexander’s Feast” (1736), in 1739 Handel produced a second setting of the “Ode to St Cecilia” (“Song for St Cecilia’s Day”).  At its première it was combined with “Alexander’s Feast”.  Rather than a dramatic plot presentable in the theatre, the Ode, in its seven sections, offers a general hymn of praise to music and its impact.  Accordingly, it largely consists of emotion-laden arias and festive orchestration.

This edition, based on the Urtext from the “Halle Handel Edition”, offers the version heard at the first performance – the version preferred in today’s concert life.  The foreword (Ger/Eng) provides many detailed notes on performance practice with regard to orchestration.

- Urtext from the “Halle Handel Edition”

- Detailed notes on performance practice in the text section (Ger/Eng)

- Straightforward piano reduction

- Full Score (BA10722), vocal score (BA10722-90) and parts (BA10722) available for sale