Entrance of the Queen of Sheba

by G.F. Handel; arr. Brian Slawson

Medium Concert Percussion

8 or 9 Players

Instrumentation: • 2 flutes • 2 glockenspiels • 4 marimbas*—(2) 4-octave, (1) low A, (1) low C *If four marimbas aren't available these parts can be performed by sharing two marimbas (one low A and one low C).

After opera’s decline of popularity in England during the 1730’s, Handel switched to writing oratorios. These were lengthy choral works without operatic staging or scenery, his most famous being Messiah. Another such work, Solomon, brings us the Entrance of the Queen of Sheba.

Written for mallet ensemble and two flutes, Queen of Sheba offers ensembles to demonstrate how well Baroque music adapts to percussion instruments. In an age where contemporary music can sometimes dominate percussion concerts, this will provide a nice contrast that not only highlights the beauty of Handel’s music, but welcomes the addition of woodwinds into the mix.

This arrangement of Queen of Sheba has been heard worldwide on the popular CD, Bach on Wood which helped garner Brian Slawson a Grammy nomination of “Best New Classical Artist.”

In addition to the printed score you are receiving downloadable:

✅ Individual Parts
✅ Full Recording