Sing Unto God

"Sing unto God" is a practical new edition of Handel's celebrated chorus from Judas Maccabaeus for mixed chorus, basso continuo, and a flexible complement of instruments, including brass quartet, timpani, string quartet, and two oboes (oboes double the violins). There is a realized continuo part for use with the instruments, but if using few or no instruments, the keyboard part from the choral edition is a reduction of the instrument parts. This short chorus is well within the reach of amateur choirs, and includes a new text suitable for general use in worship as well as the original text from the oratorio.

 

Handel scored “Sing Unto God" for three trumpets, timpani, two violins/oboes, viola, and continuo. French horn or trombone may substitute for the third trumpet, and a dedicated trombone part doubles the basso continuo when used with the other brass instruments. The instrumental parts and full score are compatible with this choral score but are optional. Depending on which additional instruments are used, the realized basso continue part, composed by renowned contrapuntist Salomon Jadassohn (1831â€"1902) and included in the full score with editorial options, may be used with this choral score. Consult the full score for more information.

 

Since Handel adapted his music to particular circumstances, some creativity is justified. Although all instruments may be employed, this piece is successful with the addition of only one or two trumpets/oboes, or with brass quartet, or with string quartet, or substituting flutes for oboes. This edition attempts to preserve the integrity of Handel's original while providing options to make the chorus accessible for modern use.

 

Brass/Timpani Parts include: Trumpets I, II, and III in C and B-flat, Horn in F (sub. for Trumpet III), Trombone (sub. for Trumpet III), Trombone, Timpani

 

String/Oboe Parts include: Violin I/Oboe I, Violin II/Oboe II, Viola, Basso Continuo