Recorder Sonata in D minor, TWV 41:d4 - Complete
- Master expressive minor mode playing
- Develop dramatic character and affect
- Execute rapid minor scale passages
- Perfect chromatic ornamentation
About This Piece
Composer: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Difficulty: Late Intermediate
Notes Used: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D (high), E (high), F (high)
Key: D minor
Movements: I. Affettuoso - II. Presto - III. Largo - IV. Allegro
Fingering Review
Movement I - Affettuoso
An emotionally charged opening in the expressive D minor key.
Explore the characteristic minor sixth and seventh scale degrees.
Movement II - Presto
Virtuosic passages requiring nimble fingers and clear articulation.
Movement III - Largo
A deeply expressive slow movement with rich harmonic color.
Movement IV - Allegro
A lively finale with dance-like rhythms and brilliant figuration.
Ornamentation Guide
Practice trills with proper accidentals in minor keys.
Master chromatic passing tones and neighbor notes.
Technical Exercises
Master the harmonic minor scale with raised seventh.
Practice D minor and related chord progressions.
Develop smooth chromatic technique.
Performance Practice Notes
- Affect: Minor mode requires intensity and drama; use darker tone color
- Articulation: Sharper tonguing in fast movements; sustained legato in Largo
- Ornamentation: Add appogiaturas for expressive dissonance; trills with proper accidentals
- Tempo: Affettuoso = ♩ = 70, Presto = ♩ = 140, Largo = ♩ = 40, Allegro = ♩ = 120
- Dynamics: Greater dynamic range in minor mode; use forte-piano contrasts
Historical Context
Telemann's D minor Sonata, TWV 41:d4, exemplifies the Baroque doctrine of affections (Affektenlehre) - the belief that music should express specific emotional states. D minor was associated with solemnity, introspection, and pathos. The Affettuoso opening immediately establishes this character. The Presto provides dramatic contrast with its urgency and energy. The Largo is among Telemann's most expressive slow movements, requiring careful attention to harmonic implications and ornamentation. The finale balances minor mode intensity with dance-like vitality. This sonata demonstrates Telemann's mastery of rhetorical musical expression and his deep understanding of the recorder's expressive capabilities.
Performance Goal: Convey the emotional depth of the minor mode throughout this sonata. The fast movements should be energetic and dramatic, while the Largo should be deeply expressive with careful attention to harmonic color and ornamentation. Master the use of C# (raised seventh) in harmonic minor contexts.
Practice Strategy
- Study the harmonic progression to understand where C# appears (dominant function)
- Practice minor scales in all forms (natural, harmonic, melodic)
- Work on dynamic contrast to enhance dramatic character
- Record slow movements to check sustain and expression
- Practice chromatic passages slowly to ensure clean fingering transitions
- Listen to recordings to understand Baroque minor mode performance practice