Description
An A minor piece in 3/4 that runs as one unbroken stream of figuration for about two and a half minutes, this Sonatina is the longest of the Aylesford Pieces on this site. The word here does not mean the later Classical sonatina form; it is more naturally read in the Baroque sense of a small instrumental piece. It stands near the end of the collection, which was published from manuscripts handed down in the Aylesford family.
It contains around 1,100 notes, with fine motion at about seven notes per second. The right hand has somewhat more notes than the left, but the left still has about 450, so both hands are constantly busy. The data shows no change of metre or tempo from start to finish.
It is rated intermediate. Figuration at the same speed goes on for a long time, so you need the stamina to hold a steady tempo without the evenness slipping. Practise it in sections with the A-B loop, raising the playback speed a little at a time. The range runs from E1 to C6, and the bass goes beyond a 61-key keyboard as written, though an octave shift fits every note.
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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