Handel: Messiah, HWV 56
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
- Editor: Donald Burrows
- Format: Facsimile of The Autograph
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Orchestra
- Work: Messiah, HWV 56
- Binding: Hardcover
- ISBN:
- Size: 10.9 x 12.8 inches
- Pages: 352
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Facsimile of the autograph score in the British Library, London
The first performance of George Frideric Handel's oratorio "Messiah" on 13 April 1742 in Dublin aroused unqualified rapture. A newspaper report a few days later declared that it combined "the Sublime, the Grand, and the Tender". Its success has remained undiminished ever since, and the "Messiah" has taken its place in musical life.
In 2009, to mark the 250th anniversary of Handel's death, the British Library and Bärenreiter joined forces and made the autograph score of the "Messiah" available to the public in a meticulously reproduced, lavishly published facsimile.
The renowned Handel scholar Donald Burrows introduces the characteristics of Handel's manuscript, describes the history of the work's composition, and explains the differences between later versions of the "Messiah", as reflected in the conducting scores. A two-page sketch from the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge completes the publication.
Contents:
- Facsimile: "Messiah", HWV 56: Teil I, Teil II, Teil III
- Facsimile: Skizzen
- Kommentar
- Das "Messiah-Autograph": Kontext and Geschichte
- Der Full Scoreentwurf and Handels frühe Überarbeitungen
- Musikalische Fassungen im Full Scoreentwurf von 1741
- Änderungen im originalen Full Scoreentwurf, die nicht von Handel stammen
- Ergänzungen des ursprünglichen Full Scoreentwurfs
- Frühere Faksimiles dieses Autographs
- Anmerkungen
- Anlage der Handschrift
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56
