Georg Frideric Händel?s Serse (Xerxes) has everything one would expect from a Baroque opera - many intertwining love stories affairs intrigues scheming misunderstanding and forgiving allpresented in the great master?s magnificent music.The opera is set in Persia in 480 BC and is very loosely based upon Xerxes I of Persia though there is little in either the Baroque libretto or music that is relevant tothat setting the main focus is on the characters (Serse Arsamene Amastre Romilda Atalanta Ariodate and Elviro some of which are based on real historical persons) and their plotting. The English version forthe opera in three acts was made for the English National Opera?s production first performed in 1985 on the 300th anniversary of Händel?s birth.In this edition of the Vocal score with the original Italian and thelater English lyrics accompaniment is provided by the instruments indicated in the orchestration (2 Recorders (or Flutes) 2 Oboes 2 Horns in F Trumpet in D Strings and Continuo [Harpsichord Cello Double Bass Bassoon]) butcan also be played by the Piano. Serse?s part originally sung by a castrato can be performed by a Soprano or a Countertenor.

This short opera (duration of 50 minutes) aptly designed for children to perform with modest resources is a version of the familiar tale though with certain adaptations.Musically the piece is a bright sequence of littlesongs choruses dialogue scenes and dances probably best suited to children between the ages of eight and twelve though the parts of the ugly sisters can usefully be taken by boys with broken voices.The music is scored foran orchestra of recorders trumpet percussion strings and keyboard and ranges through a variety of styles. The opera has eleven solo parts and a chorus who act as a train ball guests and the magic kittens. It is alsosuitable for performance by children aged eight and upwards.

Beatrice et Benedict-About Beatrice et Benedict Opera-comique. By Hector Berlioz. Edited by Hugh Macdonald. Arranged by Josef S. Durek. Text: Hector (nach Shakespeare) Berlioz. For Soprano solo (2) Mezzo-soprano-Solo Tenor solo Baritone solo Bass solo (2) Speaker (5) Mixed Choir-SSTTBB Flute (2) Oboe (2) Clarinet (b flat) (2) Bassoon (2) Horn (4) Trumpet (2) Cornet Trombone (3) Kettledrum Drums Strings. Piano Reduction/Vocal Score (paperbound). Holoman 138. Published by Baerenreiter-Ausgaben (German import). (BA5443 90)

Music Drama in five Acts-Music Drama in 5 Acts. Soprano solo (4) Soprano solo (Tenor solo) Mixed choir Ballett Flute (2) Piccolo flute Oboe (2) Bassoon (2) Horn (2) Trumpet (2) Timpani Drums Harp Strings Basso continuo. Performance material available for hire.