Track 1 - 'Arrival' - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - G.F.Handel

Track one on 'Arrival' is appropriately, 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759).

Handel was a German-born Baroque composer famous for his operas, oratorios and concerti grossi.
He was born in Halle in 1685, the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti.

Handel showed considerable musical talent, on both harpsichord and pipe organ, from an early age, and had already begun composing by the age of 9.
Although born in Germany he spent most of his adult life living in England and made his home permanently in London in 1712.
The house that he rented, on Brook Street, has since become a museum, 'Handel House', and is well worth a visit.
The house, coincidentally, is next door to one that Jimi Hendrix occupied for some time, thus combining two of Robin's greatest musical influences within a few feet of each other!

It was during this period that many of Handel's greatest works were composed, Messiah, Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks to name just a few.
The Oratorio became the national musical speciality owing mainly to Handel's efforts.

The 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' comes from the oratorio 'Solomon', which was first performed in London in 1748.
Handel's scoring of this piece was originally for two oboes and strings, but the dialogue between the two oboes works effectively on two guitars, as does the remaining string writing.
This is one of Robin's first arrangements for two guitars.

For those interested in details, at the time of this recording both Robin and Peter Wiltschinsky were playing guitars made by the luthier 'David Rubio'.

For now though, go over and have a listen to the 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', and as one review said, "Has the Queen of Sheba ever made such an exhilarating arrival?"