Sonata TWV 40:104 - Complete

Master Bb Major with two flats
Develop sarabande expression
Execute slow triple meter elegantly
Perfect French dance style

About This Piece

Composer: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)

Difficulty: Late Intermediate

Notes Used: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb (high), C (high), D (high)

Key: Bb Major

Movements: I. Affettuoso - II. Allegro - III. Sarabande - IV. Vivace

Fingering Review

Movement I - Affettuoso

An emotionally expressive opening with gentle ornamentation.

Movement II - Allegro

Continuous eighth note motion with clear harmonic direction.

Movement III - Sarabande

A stately Spanish dance with characteristic emphasis on beat 2.

Movement IV - Vivace

A sparkling finale with rapid figuration and joyful character.

Ornamentation Guide

Add expressive ornaments on beat 2 (characteristic sarabande emphasis).

Technical Exercises

Master the scale with Bb and Eb.

Practice the characteristic sarabande rhythm with beat 2 emphasis.

Performance Practice Notes

Sarabande style: Slow triple meter (♩ = 60); emphasize beat 2
Affettuoso character: Play with tender expression and gentle dynamics
Flat fingerings: Ensure Bb and Eb are in tune and flow smoothly
Ornamentation: Rich ornamentation in Sarabande; lighter in other movements

Historical Context

TWV 40:104 features the Sarabande, originally a Spanish dance that became one of the core movements in French Baroque suites. The Sarabande's characteristic emphasis on beat 2 and slow, stately tempo made it ideal for expressive ornamentation. Bb Major was favored for warm, mellow expression in Baroque music. Telemann's inclusion of this dance demonstrates the French influence on German music and provides an excellent example of rhetorical musical expression - each movement having a distinct affect and character.

Performance Goal: Master the noble Sarabande style with proper beat 2 emphasis and rich ornamentation. The contrast between the tender Affettuoso, flowing Allegro, stately Sarabande, and brilliant Vivace should be clear. Demonstrate mastery of Bb Major fingerings throughout.