Handel But Who May Abide
"But Who May Abide" is the fourth solo in The Messiah. It is in some ways the most versatile aria in the entire composition. Handel originally scored it for alto solo, but since it immediately follows "Thus Saith the Lord", it is sometimes given to the bass solo. And it is occasionally transposed to fit the soprano range.
This composition can be played by 6 different combinations of instruments.
A few notes on the parts and instruments:
- The standard ("std") parts are the original parts and are designed to be played together.
- The alternate "a" parts, if present, are raised one octave (8va) and can be substituted for a standard part to accommodate the higher instruments listed. They should work as long as they are above the other parts.
- The alternate "b" parts, if present, are lowered one octave (8vb) and can be substituted for a standard part to accommodate the lower instruments listed. They should work as long as they are below the other parts.
- For example, using parts 1, 2, and 3 together is definitely ok. Using parts 1a, 2, and 3b together is probably ok. Using parts 1b, 2, and 3a together might not work well.
- Part ranges are listed in concert key, where C4 is middle C.
When you purchase this composition, you will be taken to PayPal to submit your payment. As soon as you pay, you will be able to download all the PDF files immediately. You will have access to every part for each available instrument, in the proper key and clef. You will also get a complete score (in most cases, we include four separate scores with all parts transposed to C, Bb, Eb, and F).
You don't have to purchase each part separately; one single payment covers all the parts you need for the instruments in your ensemble.
We have 2 versions of this composition. Click on the version name to jump to the different versions. Note that each version is purchased separately.
Version v01
Buy Version v01 ($4.99)This version is a duet for violin (or viola) and cello. The violin/viola has both the solo and the top voice of the ripieno. The cello has both the continuo and the bottom voice of the ripieno. The sections marked ripieno should be played breathy/flautando, senza vibrato to simulate an orchestra at a distance. The sections marked solo or continuo should be played full, with tasteful vibrato.
Composition: Handel But Who May Abide
Version: v01
Instrumentation: Duet
Duration: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Price: $4.99
| Handel But Who May Abide, Version v01 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part | Range | Available Instruments |
| Score | Full Score in C, Bb, Eb, and F | |
| Part 1 (std) | A3 - D6 | Violin, Viola |
| Part 2 (std) | C2 - D4 | Cello |
Version v02
Buy Version v02 ($4.99)This arrangement is for string duet, trio, or quartet. Part 1 contains the vocal solo and the top line of the ripieno. Part 4 contains the continuo and the bottom line of the ripieno. For a duet, play Parts 1 and 4. For a trio, add either Part 2 or 3. For a quartet, play all four parts. The sections marked ripieno should be played flautando, senza vibrato, to simulate an orchestra at a distance. The sections marked solo or continuo should be played full, with tasteful vibrato.
Composition: Handel But Who May Abide
Version: v02
Instrumentation: Quartet
Duration: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Price: $4.99
| Handel But Who May Abide, Version v02 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part | Range | Available Instruments |
| Score | Full Score in C, Bb, Eb, and F | |
| Part 1 (std) | A3 - D6 | Violin, Viola |
| Part 2 (std) | A3 - A5 | Violin, Viola |
| Part 3 (std) | F3 - D5 | Viola |
| Part 4 (std) | C2 - D4 | Cello |