Recorder Sonata in B-flat Major, HWV 377 - Movement 3 (Allegro)
- Master Bb Major with two flats
- Develop joyful, dance-like character
- Execute continuous eighth note motion
- Perfect Handelian melodic sequences
About This Piece
Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Difficulty: Late Intermediate
Notes Used: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb (high), C (high), D (high), Eb (high), F (high)
Key: B-flat Major
Movement: III. Allegro
Fingering Review
Complete Allegro Movement
Joyful opening with characteristic Handelian melodic bounce and clarity.
Rising sequences exploring dominant (F Major) and related keys.
Exploration of subdominant (Eb Major) with smooth harmonic transitions.
Return to opening material with brilliant closing flourishes.
Ornamentation Guide
Add trills and mordents at major structural cadences.
Technical Exercises
Master the scale with Bb and Eb across full range.
Develop smooth, even eighth note technique.
Practice broken chord patterns in Bb Major and related chords.
Performance Practice Notes
- Allegro tempo: ♩ = 110-120, lively and joyful; maintain steady pulse
- Character: Cheerful, dance-like; Bb Major warmth with brilliance
- Articulation: Light, bouncing tonguing for dance character
- Dynamics: Use terraced dynamics; echo effects between phrases
- Flat fingerings: Ensure Bb and Eb flow smoothly in rapid passages
Historical Context
The Allegro from Handel's Bb Major Sonata, HWV 377, represents the Italian influence on Handel's style. The continuous eighth note motion and clear tonal structure recall the Italian instrumental sonata tradition. Bb Major was favored for warm, mellow expression while still allowing brilliance. This movement's dance-like character and joyful affect make it an audience favorite. The sequential patterns and clear phrase structure demonstrate Handel's gift for memorable melodies and satisfying musical architecture. This piece requires secure command of flat fingerings and the ability to maintain musical interest through continuous motion - essential skills for Baroque performance.
Performance Goal: Project joyful character throughout this Allegro. Maintain even eighth notes with light, dance-like articulation. Master Bb and Eb fingerings so they flow naturally at tempo. The sequences should build naturally, and the overall effect should be one of effortless brilliance. This movement completes your study of Handelian style with celebration and virtuosity.
Practice Strategy
- Practice Bb Major scale daily until completely automatic
- Work on even eighth notes with metronome, starting at ♩ = 70
- Isolate sequences and practice each pattern separately
- Record yourself to check for rhythmic evenness and tone consistency
- Practice flat fingerings (Bb, Eb) in various contexts until smooth
- Study the harmonic structure to understand modulations
- Listen to Handelian concerti grossi for similar joyful character