Recorder Sonata in G minor, HWV 360 - Complete
- Master complete Handelian sonata structure
- Execute G minor's passionate, dramatic character
- Develop Italian-style cantabile and German counterpoint
- Perfect virtuosic ornament ation and cadenzas
About This Piece
Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Difficulty: Advanced
Notes Used: Full chromatic range from G4 to A6
Key: G minor (2 flats: Bb, Eb)
Movements: I. Larghetto - II. Andante - III. Adagio - IV. Presto
Opus: Op. 1 No. 2 (published c. 1724)
I. Larghetto - Noble Opening
Majestic dotted rhythms with French influence. Tempo: ♩ = 45-50
Rich harmonic exploration with suspensions.
II. Andante - Lyrical Second Movement
Singing, Italian-style melody with rich ornamentation. Tempo: ♩ = 66-72
Melodic sequences and modulations.
III. Adagio - Expressive Climax
Intense slow movement requiring extensive ornamentation. Tempo: ♩ = 48-54
Traditional spot for improvised or written cadenza before final cadence.
IV. Presto - Virtuosic Finale
Brilliant sixteenth notes demanding flawless technique. Tempo: ♩ = 132-144
Climactic final passage with altissimo flourishes.
Technical Exercises
Natural, harmonic, and melodic minor across three octaves.
Build speed gradually for finale.
Ornamentation and Cadenzas
Essential Handelian Ornaments:
- Larghetto: Add extensive trills, mordents, and turns. Double-dot for French style.
- Andante: Italian-style ornaments - appoggiaturas, slides, gentle embellishments
- Adagio: Extremely elaborate ornamentation required; consider written cadenza
- Presto: Minimal ornamentation - technical clarity is paramount
Example cadenza for Adagio movement (or improvise your own).
Historical Performance Practice
Handel's recorder sonatas were published as his Op. 1 around 1724, though some may have been composed earlier. The G minor sonata is one of the most substantial and dramatic works in the recorder repertoire. It synthesizes French (Larghetto), Italian (Andante), and German (fugal elements) stylistic influences - reflecting Handel's cosmopolitan musical education.
Performance considerations:
- G minor affect: passionate, serious, dramatic - maintain throughout
- Breathing: Plan strategic breath points, especially in Presto
- Dynamics: Use terraced and graded dynamics for dramatic effect
- Ornamentation: Extensive in slow movements, minimal in Presto
- Cadenzas: Traditionally added in Adagio; may be improvised or written
- Tempo relationships: Maintain proportional tempos between movements
Alternative Fingerings
- High F# (F#6): 0-12--4-- or 0-12--45-
- High G (G6): 0-1----56 or 0-1----5- (requires good voicing)
- Fast chromatic passages: Simplify fingerings for clarity
- Trills in altissimo: Use simpler fingering combinations
Breathing Strategies
- Larghetto & Adagio: Generous breaths at phrase endings
- Andante: Natural breathing with musical phrases
- Presto: Quick catch breaths; practice circular breathing for long passages
- Performance tip: Mark breath points in score during practice
Concert Performance Goal: This is cornerstone repertoire for advanced recorder players. Your performance must demonstrate: complete technical mastery in the Presto, deeply expressive ornamentation in slow movements, stylistic understanding of Baroque idioms, and dramatic intensity befitting G minor's passionate character. Memorization strongly recommended. This sonata belongs on competition programs, graduate recitals, and professional concerts.
Practice Strategy
- Practice each movement separately until secure
- Work Presto at half tempo with metronome, gradually increasing
- Study multiple recordings: Michala Petri, Dan Laurin, Maurice Steger
- Compose or learn a cadenza for the Adagio
- Practice with continuo accompaniment when possible
- Perform complete sonata regularly to build stamina
- Record yourself and compare to professional interpretations
- Consider this for auditions, competitions, and recital centerpiece