Hiller, Johann Adam (1728-1804)

Aria from Handel’s Messiah.  “If God be for us”.

(“Ist Gott für uns, wer kann uns schaden”).                   

Hiller altered this aria in 1786 by adding  bassoon as obbligato instrument. Subsequently, the aria was replaced by a recitative by Mozart in 1789. Contrary to some accounts, the Hiller revision probably preceded the Mozart version.  (see Pajot D 2007. The Double Reed 30; 75-79).

The Hiller version was retained by Breitkopf and Härtel in 1803 in “Der Messias, nach Bearbeitung von W.A.Mozart”  Stadtbibliothek zu Leipzig III, I, 31. with German text.

Some nineteenth century scores include two versions, the original Handel and the Hiller revision with bassoon. eg Novello c.1850, strings only pp 253-256 with bassoon pp 257-260.

To date, there are no known published orchestral parts. The Hiller version was recorded by

The Oratorio Society of New York. Koch International SC 100 308 K3 2 CD.

This score, with English translation, is reproduced courtesy of Mr Rod Reynolds, archivist,

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society.  Below is a paste-up of the solo bassoon part.