George Frideric Handel, a Baroque period composer, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his compositions that range from operas to oratorios. One of his lesser-known but equally captivating works is "How Excellent," an anthem that showcases Handel's ability to intertwine complex polyphony with sublime melody. For musicians, enthusiasts, and students alike, obtaining the right sheet music can transform the learning experience. Here are the five best editions of Handel's "How Excellent" sheet music that cater to various needs:
1. Novello Edition
- Editor: Rev. Geoffrey Stubbs
- Features: Known for its meticulous editing, the Novello edition provides an authoritative score with annotations for performance practices. It includes:
- Historical notes and commentary
- Performance suggestions
- Ornamentation options
📝 Note: This edition is particularly useful for those interested in performing the piece in a historically informed manner.
2. Edition Peters
- Editor: Paul Horn
- Features: The Edition Peters stands out for its:
- Clear layout and modern notation
- Editorial additions for clarity
- Handel’s original dynamics included
🎹 Note: This edition is favored for educational purposes due to its reader-friendly format.
3. Bärenreiter Edition
- Editor: George O. Cox
- Features: Bärenreiter’s edition is renowned for:
- Scholarly text-critical commentary
- High-quality paper and print
- Inclusion of Handel’s autograph score
👓 Note: For research and performance at a professional level, this edition is highly recommended.
4. Kalmus Classic Edition
- Editor: Alfred Publishing Co.
- Features: The Kalmus edition offers:
- Affordable price point
- Practical for ensemble or choral settings
- Includes helpful rehearsal suggestions
🎼 Note: This is a great option for community choirs or student groups looking for cost-effective sheet music.
5. Urtext - Peters Urtext Edition
- Editor: Terence Best
- Features: The Urtext edition from Peters provides:
- Original Handel manuscript closely followed
- No editorial interventions
- Extensive critical notes and source comparisons
🔍 Note: Ideal for scholars and performers who require an unaltered view of Handel’s composition.
The diversity in editions reflects the nuances in performing and interpreting Handel's "How Excellent." Whether you're looking for a scholarly approach, educational clarity, or practical performance tips, there's an edition tailored to your needs. Understanding the differences and selecting the right one can significantly influence how you experience and share Handel's work.
What makes an Urtext edition different from others?
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An Urtext edition aims to present the work as closely as possible to how the composer originally wrote it, without editorial additions or modernizations, providing an authentic representation of the score.
Why are performance practices important when choosing sheet music?
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Performance practices from the Baroque period, such as ornamentation and phrasing, can greatly enhance the interpretation and execution of the music, offering insights into how Handel intended his work to be performed.
Can you recommend editions for beginners?
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For beginners, the Edition Peters or the Kalmus Classic Edition might be more accessible due to their clear layout, modern notation, and sometimes less complex arrangements or simpler performance notes.
