Recorder Sonata in Bb major, HWV 377 - Complete

Master Bb major's noble, majestic character
Execute French-style grandeur and Italian lyricism
Develop trumpet-like brilliance in fanfare passages
Perfect intonation in Bb major tonality

About This Piece

Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Difficulty: Advanced

Key: Bb major (2 flats: Bb, Eb)

Movements: I. [No tempo marking] - II. Adagio - III. Allegro

I. [Allegro] - Majestic Opening

Though unmarked, this movement is typically performed Allegro. Tempo: ♩ = 96-108

Trumpet-like arpeggios suggesting Bb major's regal character.

II. Adagio - Expressive Cantabile

Deeply expressive with Italian-style cantabile. Tempo: ♩ = 48-54

III. Allegro - Brilliant Finale

Joyful finale with technical brilliance. Tempo: ♩ = 112-126

Technical Exercises

Master two flats across full range.

Performance Practice

Bb major's Baroque affect: majestic, noble, magnificent. This sonata emphasizes these qualities with French-influenced grandeur in the opening and Italian lyricism in the Adagio. The Allegro finale should sparkle with festive brilliance. This sonata demonstrates Handel's mastery of national styles - French, Italian, and German elements synthesized into perfect whole.

Performance Goal: Project Bb major's nobility and magnificence. This sonata demonstrates sophisticated synthesis of national styles. Your performance should be regal yet lyrical, technically brilliant yet musically expressive. Essential Handel repertoire showcasing his cosmopolitan mastery.

Practice Strategy

Study French overture style for opening movement
Work on Italian-style cantabile for Adagio
Practice Bb major intonation carefully - two flats require attention
Listen to Handel's orchestral works in Bb major for stylistic context
This sonata concludes your study of Handel's complete sonatas!

Conclusion: The Handel Sonatas

Having completed all six Handel recorder sonatas in this chapter, you now possess the core of advanced Baroque recorder repertoire. These works represent the pinnacle of 18th-century writing for the instrument. Continue to refine and perform these sonatas throughout your career - they reward lifelong study.