G.F. Händel: Ode for St. Cecilia's Day

Georg Friedrich Handel composed "Ode for St. Cecilia's Day" in September 1739 based on the poem by John Dryden (1631-1700). Its premiere was on 22 Novemeber in Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre in London. In 1742 the piece was first performed outside of England in Dublin Ireland, and 1769 in Berlin, Germany. Ultimately the piece was arranged for saxophone quartet by the American saxophonist and arranger Bruce A. Evans. The titel speaks of St. Cecilia, a martyr who lived in third century (AD). She is the patron saint of music. Her name day was celebrated in the 17 and 18 century as a "festival of music" with concerts and church services on 22 November with works specifically composed for this celebration. With this composition Handel continued on with the tradition of the London "Caecilian Festival," which was celebrated every year from 1683 to 1703 with a performance of an anthem (in the St. Bridge's Church) and an Ode (often in Stationer's Hall). 

Included in delivery:

• transposed score

• Sax 1: Soprano
• Sax 2: Alto
• Sax 3: Tenor
• Sax 4: Baritone