• Understand Baroque sonata structure (slow-fast-slow-fast)
• Learn characteristics of each movement type
• Play excerpts from real Baroque sonatas
• Develop stylistically informed interpretation

Introduction

The Baroque sonata is the cornerstone of recorder repertoire! Composers like Telemann, Handel, and Vivaldi wrote hundreds of sonatas for recorder. Understanding their structure and style unlocks this magnificent literature.

Sonata da Camera vs. Sonata da Chiesa

Baroque sonatas came in two main types:

Sonata da Chiesa (Church Sonata)

• Structure: Slow-Fast-Slow-Fast
• Movements: Abstract, serious character
• Purpose: Church services, concerts
• Style: Contrapuntal, learned

Sonata da Camera (Chamber Sonata)

• Structure: Often dance movements (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue)
• Movements: Named dances
• Purpose: Entertainment, chamber music
• Style: Lighter, more tuneful

By the late Baroque, these types merged, and most sonatas follow the Slow-Fast-Slow-Fast pattern.

The Four-Movement Structure

Movement 1: Slow Introduction (Adagio, Largo, Grave)

Characteristics:

• Slow, expressive, often melancholic
• Heavy ornamentation expected
• Establishes the key and mood
• Often features beautiful melodic lines

Movement 2: Fast, Energetic (Allegro, Vivace, Presto)

Characteristics:

• Quick tempo, often in imitative counterpoint
• Running passages, sequences
• Technical display, virtuosity
• Clear articulation, rhythmic drive

Movement 3: Slow, Lyrical (Andante, Largo, Adagio)

Characteristics:

• Cantabile (singing) style
• Often in a related key (relative minor or subdominant)
• Expressive, intimate character
• Simpler texture than first movement

Movement 4: Fast Finale (Allegro, Gigue, Vivace)

Characteristics:

• Often in compound meter (6/8, 9/8, 12/8)
• Dance-like, joyful character
• Virtuosic passages
• Brings the sonata to an energetic conclusion

Key Baroque Composers for Recorder

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)

• Wrote 12+ recorder sonatas
• Tuneful, accessible style
• French and Italian influences
• Perfect for intermediate players

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

• Grand, operatic style
• Several sonatas for recorder
• Dramatic, virtuosic writing
• Often in D major or G minor

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

• Brilliant, energetic
• Concerto-like writing for recorder
• Virtuosic demands
• Pictorial, vivid character

Performance Practices for Baroque Sonatas

Ornamentation

• Slow movements: Add trills, mordents, turns freely
• Fast movements: Minimal ornamentation—clarity is key
• Cadences: Trills almost always expected
• Repeats: Add more ornaments second time through

Continuo Partnership

Baroque sonatas are written for recorder + continuo (harpsichord/cello). Listen to your continuo partner!

• Balance: Don't overpower the continuo
• Dialogue: Fast movements often have imitative interplay
• Support: Continuo provides harmonic foundation

Articulation

• Varied tonguing: Use "tu-ru-tu-ru" patterns
• Slurs: Only where indicated (not default!)
• Detached style: Notes distinct but not staccato

Approaching Your First Sonata

1. Choose wisely: Start with Telemann or easier Handel sonatas
2. Movement by movement: Don't tackle all four at once
3. Slow practice: Master technical passages slowly
4. Listen: Hear professional recordings for style ideas
5. Add ornaments gradually: Master the notes first, ornament later

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

1. Play each movement style excerpt with appropriate character - 10 minutes
2. Practice ornamentation on slow movement - 5 minutes
3. Work on fast movement passage (clean technique) - 7 minutes
4. Listen to recordings of Baroque sonatas - 3 minutes