Description
Broken-chord figures run without a break through this D minor prelude, tracing the changes of harmony at about nine notes per second, which makes it one of the densest pieces in the set. A Baroque prelude originally had an improvised character, a way of trying out the key and the instrument before playing, and something of that remains here. It is placed midway through the Aylesford Pieces, after the concerto.
It is in 4/4 and lasts under a minute but contains over 470 notes. The right hand has slightly more notes than the left, and the left hand takes part of the figuration as well as the bass.
It is rated intermediate. The same figure changes shape as the harmony moves, so check the sequence of chords in the score view first and work out which figure belongs to which chord; it is then easier to memorise. Slow the playback, use the hand colours to follow how the figures pass between the hands, and aim for an even flow. The notes span D2 to B-flat 5, a range any 61-key keyboard covers.
A collection of keyboard suites by Handel built mainly around dance movements such as allemandes and gavottes, with lively ornamented melodies and Baroque contrapuntal writing. It suits intermediate-to-advanced players who want to explore Baroque stylistic performance.
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Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
George Frideric Handel was a Baroque composer born in Halle, Germany, who later became a naturalized British citizen. Celebrated for the oratorio Messiah and his Italian-style operas, he also composed many keyboard suites and sonatas. Often mentioned alongside his contemporary Bach, his music is marked by accessible melody and stately grandeur. This site includes suite movements, minuets, and pieces from the Aylesford Pieces.
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