Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga (Let me cry) from the opera Rinaldo in an improver level instrumental arrangement for alto viola and piano. The aria or song is taken from the opera Rinaldo which first appeared in 1711 and was subsequently revised in 1733. It is in ABA form and based on the sarabande rhythm which has the stress on the second beat of the three beats in a bar. When sung the Da Capo section would be an opportunity for the soloist to improvise and ornament the melody and this is an option available for the top line players in this instrumental arrangement. Piano accompaniments are in place playing at 62, 64, 66 and 68 bpm enabling the saxophonist to enjoy ensemble music as part of their practice routines. The score has been notated in 3|2 time keeping to the conventions of the original notation but could quite readily be notated in 3|4 time. The trill in bar has been written out in the video score of another arrangement on our YouTube channel. This is music that is very appropriate music for a solemn processional or remembrance in a social context. It is usual to present baroque scores with minimal score detail. The music in the realisation plays back at a tempo of 66 half note or minim beats to the minute. This is an opportunity for an improver level musician to be playing what is a great piece of music. It is what the music editor identifies as being a potential “stepping stone” for many instrument players. There is an interesting story as to the origins of the sarabande rhythm for those who enjoy researching the history of forms and rhythmic patterns particularly those associated with dances.

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