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Recorder Sonata in G minor, HWV 360 - Complete
  • Master complete Handelian sonata structure
  • Execute G minor's passionate, dramatic character
  • Develop Italian-style cantabile and German counterpoint
  • Perfect virtuosic ornament ation and cadenzas

About This Piece

Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Difficulty: Advanced

Notes Used: Full chromatic range from G4 to A6

Key: G minor (2 flats: Bb, Eb)

Movements: I. Larghetto - II. Andante - III. Adagio - IV. Presto

Opus: Op. 1 No. 2 (published c. 1724)

I. Larghetto - Noble Opening

Majestic dotted rhythms with French influence. Tempo: ♩ = 45-50

Rich harmonic exploration with suspensions.

II. Andante - Lyrical Second Movement

Singing, Italian-style melody with rich ornamentation. Tempo: ♩ = 66-72

Melodic sequences and modulations.

III. Adagio - Expressive Climax

Intense slow movement requiring extensive ornamentation. Tempo: ♩ = 48-54

Traditional spot for improvised or written cadenza before final cadence.

IV. Presto - Virtuosic Finale

Brilliant sixteenth notes demanding flawless technique. Tempo: ♩ = 132-144

Climactic final passage with altissimo flourishes.

Technical Exercises

Natural, harmonic, and melodic minor across three octaves.

Build speed gradually for finale.

Ornamentation and Cadenzas

Essential Handelian Ornaments:

  • Larghetto: Add extensive trills, mordents, and turns. Double-dot for French style.
  • Andante: Italian-style ornaments - appoggiaturas, slides, gentle embellishments
  • Adagio: Extremely elaborate ornamentation required; consider written cadenza
  • Presto: Minimal ornamentation - technical clarity is paramount

Example cadenza for Adagio movement (or improvise your own).

Historical Performance Practice

Handel's recorder sonatas were published as his Op. 1 around 1724, though some may have been composed earlier. The G minor sonata is one of the most substantial and dramatic works in the recorder repertoire. It synthesizes French (Larghetto), Italian (Andante), and German (fugal elements) stylistic influences - reflecting Handel's cosmopolitan musical education.

Performance considerations:

  • G minor affect: passionate, serious, dramatic - maintain throughout
  • Breathing: Plan strategic breath points, especially in Presto
  • Dynamics: Use terraced and graded dynamics for dramatic effect
  • Ornamentation: Extensive in slow movements, minimal in Presto
  • Cadenzas: Traditionally added in Adagio; may be improvised or written
  • Tempo relationships: Maintain proportional tempos between movements

Alternative Fingerings

  • High F# (F#6): 0-12--4-- or 0-12--45-
  • High G (G6): 0-1----56 or 0-1----5- (requires good voicing)
  • Fast chromatic passages: Simplify fingerings for clarity
  • Trills in altissimo: Use simpler fingering combinations

Breathing Strategies

  • Larghetto & Adagio: Generous breaths at phrase endings
  • Andante: Natural breathing with musical phrases
  • Presto: Quick catch breaths; practice circular breathing for long passages
  • Performance tip: Mark breath points in score during practice
Concert Performance Goal: This is cornerstone repertoire for advanced recorder players. Your performance must demonstrate: complete technical mastery in the Presto, deeply expressive ornamentation in slow movements, stylistic understanding of Baroque idioms, and dramatic intensity befitting G minor's passionate character. Memorization strongly recommended. This sonata belongs on competition programs, graduate recitals, and professional concerts.

Practice Strategy

  • Practice each movement separately until secure
  • Work Presto at half tempo with metronome, gradually increasing
  • Study multiple recordings: Michala Petri, Dan Laurin, Maurice Steger
  • Compose or learn a cadenza for the Adagio
  • Practice with continuo accompaniment when possible
  • Perform complete sonata regularly to build stamina
  • Record yourself and compare to professional interpretations
  • Consider this for auditions, competitions, and recital centerpiece