Handel’s “Sinfonia: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” is a famous, fast-paced orchestral piece from Act III of his 1748 oratorio Solomon. Scored for two oboes, strings, and continuo, it depicts the busy arrival of the Queen of Sheba. This lively Allegro is renowned for its energetic, bustling strings and virtuosic oboe interplay.
- Context: It opens Act III of the biblical oratorio Solomon (premiered 1749), signaling the Queen of Sheba’s arrival to meet King Solomon.
- Significance: While part of a larger work, this piece is frequently performed independently as a popular, vibrant Baroque showpiece, often in weddings or ceremonial events.
- Key Features: It is characterized by a high-energy, rapid tempo, often called “busy” music, featuring string passages and oboe solos.
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