Baroque Era- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

During baroque era, a number of musicians composed songs that aroused the instincts of the listeners. Baroque period extends from 1600-1750. It is not surprising that some of the music that was composed during the time is still relevant and popular to date. One such musician is George Frederic Handel, a German- British composer. One popular song that I listened to, and which forms the basis of this evaluation is “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel.

Listening to this music brings out good memories and always made me feel relaxed and somber. This song is classical and is an oratory about Solomon. The message talks about Solomon as depicted in the bible (George p. 1). The other two parts of the song pass out information from the Bible on the judgment that awaits humankind and the building of the temple. Therefore, the themes of the song are borrowed from the biblical story. Due to its well-arranged melodies and the message the song caries, it can be used in various contexts. First, the song is relevant and can be used in churches to teach the worshippers/believers. It an also used in weddings and can also be performed for purposes of dance.

The music uses many words and is painted with good melodies. Even though most part of the songs is repeated in chorus, the song triggers good feelings and mood. Sweet melodies demonstrate use of various instruments, most notable violins, oboes and viola. Furthermore, double bass is also used in its chorus and this further adds texture and listeners experience to the song (Don para. 4). The bass used in the song is touchy and very well pitched to resonate with the instruments and the theme of the song. The instruments and the well-constructed message also help to give or provide harmony in the song. There is a strong sense of the melodies and the rhythms of the song. Oboe instrument is one instrument that is manifested in the song. This instrument brings a unique and happy feeling to me.

The song is accompanied by instrumentation that provides a distinguishable harmony of the song (Handel para. 3). I was fantasized with the melodies that the musician used in the song. I find the music more appealing and addictive to me. Even though I did not know about such music, my first time to listen to it marveled me and made me to stick and always yearn to hear more of it every time I felt like listening to music. The feeling of joy manifest in me the moment I turn on the music. The song has its roots in 1769 and it is still relevant to this 21^st century. The composer uses a good mixture of words and instruments that rhymes and makes the song appealing.

This music is one of my favorite pieces of music in the category of ancient music. The work of Handel through this music demonstrates precision and attention to details. The instrumentation and the melodies used in the music are appealing and unforgettable. I find this masterpiece to be one of the delicate, playful and unforgettable in the years to come. According to my ratings, I feel that this music sung in the baroque period should serve as guidance to our modern musicians. Music should have harmony, deliver the message and provide the listener a good feeling.

Works Cited

Don Satz. Musicweb international: The arrival of queen Sheba. Web. 24 September 2012. <http://www.musicweb- international.com/classrev/2003/oct03/best_of_baroque_naxos.htm>

Handel, George. Music 174 RCK SP11. The arrival of the queen of Sheba. Web. 24 September 2012. <https://sites.google.com/a/gapps.uwc.edu/mus-174-rck- sp11/home/baroque-period/georg-friederic-handel/the-arrival-of-the-queen-of- Sheba>

Handel, George. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, IN: Brass Arts Quintet, 1.4 (2009): 1-5. Print.

George, Putnam. Standard Operas (12th Edition) Their Plots, Their Music, & Their Composers. Standard Operas (12th Edition) Their Plots, Their Music, & Their Composers, 4 (2009): 1-6. Print.