Solomon, HWV 67, is an Oratorio composed by G.F. Haendel in 1748, with a libretto by newburg Hamilton (Alson the librettist of Samson). It was first performed at the Theatre Royal in London on 17 March 1749, with two further performances; The role of Solomon was a breech role (travesti or "hosenrolle"), it also refers to any male character that is sung and acted by a female singer. the part is sung today by Alto voice types (Mezzo-Sopranos rather than Contraltos), and Countertenors. The distinction between Contraltos and Mezzos did'nt exist at Haendel's time. Act 3 starts with the famous Sinfonia "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba", preceding the Recitative and Air by the Queen: "Every sight these eyes behold".
