Welcome to The Rhythm Section! The aim of this blog is to celebrate how music has shaped people’s lives over the years. Or, in the case of the Culture Club slot. centuries! How do you like a bit of classical?
Each week, I’ll present a tiny snippet from the enormous world of classical music. Usually, classical has a soothing, chilled effect, but beware: I may throw some curve balls at you! So, under that broad description of “classical”, expect anything!
The common thread, I hope, is your enjoyment.
For this week, I’m posting Handel‘s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Handel (1685 – 1759) was a German-born baroque composer who moved to the UK in 1712. Educated in Halle, he is famous for (among others) his operas and oratorios. He became anglicized, and was closely associated with the British nobility. He wrote music for four coronations, much of which is still used today. He died a rich man, and was so well-thought-of he was given a state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Today’s piece comes from one such oratorio, Solomon, based largely on the biblical stories.
Okay, if, like me you’re asking What’s an oratorio?, it was basically a large composition of the time. Orchestra, choir, soloists… Italian in origin, as you can probably guess from the name, oratorios are very similar to operas, although while you can think of an opera as musical theatre, an oratorio is solely a piece of music. Handel himself is largely responsible for creating the subtype of oratorios known simply as English.
Solomon was first performed in 1749. and is split into three acts. The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba takes place in the third act, and has become famous in its own right.
Enjoy!
Okay, a tiny question for you. Post if you wish, but a simple comment will suffice. Handel’s work was played at four coronations even in his lifetime, and every coronation since. What’s the grandest event you’ve been to?
The Rhythm Section 
Reblogged this on Mister Bump and commented:
My first post on my new blog, The Rhythm Section.
I hope you’ll find this… er… unconventional post quirky at least. Certainly not your average music post.
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Excellent! I feel more cultrified already!
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Nice post, Mr. Bump! Handel was truly one of the masters.
I don’t know if this counts as a grand event but it was one of the most inspiring and memorable occasions for me: as a representative of my church, I met Pope John Paul II at a rally at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York and later attended a dinner in his honor. It’s difficult to put into words what it was like being in his presence. He was, in my opinion, among the holy.
Thanks for posting this amazing music! 🎶
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Now, that’s very special, Nancy.
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Thanks, Misky.
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Reblogged this on The Elephant's Trunk and commented:
Happy Saturday, one and all! I hope you’re enjoying The Rhythm Section! Now here’s Mr. Bump’s first post, something a bit different but quite glorious. Read on!
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Oh, this is brilliant! Thank you, Bump. I saw the title and thought, “Oh dear, Boy George.” I adore Handel. As for an occasion, the birthday ball for the crown prince of Denmark.
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Boy George? No chance!
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He had a few good songs, and I rather fancied some of his dresses.
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He did a reggae one, late, which I bought. Seem to remember buying it on CD so that would put it Nineties. Apart from that, nah.
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Impressive, Misky! 👑
Had to laugh at your Boy George comment. My husband thought the same thing! 😳 😂
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Well, add me alao to the list of “here comes Boy George” 😆
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I think that was a common reaction. The list of posts would have been quite different and somewhat limited! 😂
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eek!
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Too late to change the name now! I’ll have to do Karma Chameleon next week.
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No! It’s a good name and now people know it isn’t all about Boy George! 😂
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A man of exceptional sense, I’d say.
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This is a lively and lovely piece to listen to on a snow day here in the White Winterland!
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oooh, yes, this’ll get you moving!
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Yay, D! You found us! 🤗 That was a lovely piece. Hope you’re enjoying the site! 🎶
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I am!
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That was really pretty, really enjoyed it. As for the question, biggest event I’ve been too was probably last weekend at the opening night of The Fringe. 140,000 people and I reckon I bumped into everyone of them
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What is The Fringe?
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It’s an arts festival held in my home state.
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There’s a Fringe Festival in Edinburgh every year.
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I suspect their very similar, but ours is probably on a smaller scale
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Good you got in. In more than one sense!
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I’m a follower now, everything came on line this morning. I don’t know if it has something to do with this latest wordpress update
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Someone else has said exactly the same thing. Didn’t work yesterday, then worked overnight. We didn’t change anything. Go figure.
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Think it’s Jetpack to be honest
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Very uplifting!
But I can’t think of any grand events off the top of my head. if I’d been to one, I’d probably still have the outfit in my wardrobe, 🙂
Although, to Nancy’s point, I was in St Peter’s Square one year when the then Pope gave Christmas greetings. Just one dot in a cast of thousands.
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That must have been fun. People wax lyrical about Rome. I only got as far as the airport.
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Well, yes. The eternal city and all that. But as a young single woman travelling solo, I had to be on my toes. Especially around the railway station.
And it was a little odd to be there alone at Christmas but it all sorted out in the end.
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Travelling solo had advantages and disadvantages, I found. Being on my own bothers me a lot less now I’m older.
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I left Australia for England and Europe as a “backpacker” when I was 22 and returned four years later. I was very happy to be solo and not part of an Australian group knocking around in a VW Kombi Van bought outside Australia House in London.
But I would been incredibly naive to think that every experience was going to be roses. I kept my wits about me. But also got to live like the locals in lots of places.
Looking forward to returning one day and just hanging out in rented accommodation for a few months as a base to explore further. In comparison to Australia, everything is SO close.
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Yes I had the opportunity to make a new life for myself once in the USA but opted to stay in Europe. It was Old World vs New World for me.
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My first time interacting with such music, but I have to admit, it’s awesome. 👏🏽
I think that also answers the question you posed in the end. 👀
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Give them a quick listen each week, Sanjeet. Some you’ll like, some you won’t, but it’s generally a superb listen.
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I’m passionate about classical music, I listen to it whenever I’m sitting at my computer, and love nothing more than attending concerts, the most enjoyable being a recital by the Andre Rieu orchestra back in June. The grandest event? I was sitting a few feet behind Paul McCartney when the late Queen knighted him at Buck House!
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Then I guarantee yoiu’ll enjoy Saturday mornings, Keith.
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