Georg Friedrich Händel (1685 – 1759) was a German,
later British, baroque composer who spent the bulk of
his career in London, becoming well known for his
operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel
received important training in Halle and worked as a
composer in Hamburg and Italy before settling in London
in 1712; he became a naturalised British subject in
1727. He was strongly influenced both by the great
composers of the Italian Baroque and by the
middle-German polyphonic chora...(+)
Georg Friedrich Händel (1685 – 1759) was a German,
later British, baroque composer who spent the bulk of
his career in London, becoming well known for his
operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel
received important training in Halle and worked as a
composer in Hamburg and Italy before settling in London
in 1712; he became a naturalised British subject in
1727. He was strongly influenced both by the great
composers of the Italian Baroque and by the
middle-German polyphonic choral tradition.
The Flute sonata in E minor (HWV 379) was composed
(circa 1727-28) by George Frideric Handel for flute and
basso continuo. The work is also referred to as Opus 1
No. 1a, and was first published in 1879 by Chrysander.
Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the
work as HG xxvii,2; and HHA iv/3,2. The work is the
only sonata that survives as a flute sonata in Handel's
own manuscript.
Of the two sonatas published in the Chrysander edition
as Opus 1 Sonata I, this one (Sonata Ia) is not in the
Walsh edition. Therefore, (although the work's
authenticity remains unquestioned), this sonata is not
strictly part of Handel's "Opus 1". Chrysander's Sonata
Ia and Sonata Ib have their first and fourth movements
in common.
The work consists of 5 movements: Larghetto (in common
with the first movement of the flute sonata in E minor
(HWV 359b). Ends with a brief adagio), Andante (two
sections (30 and 30 bars)—each with repeat markings.
Begins the same way as Halle sonata no. 2), Largo (the
beginning is famous from its much later use in the
violin sonata in D major (HWV 371). The opening bars
are also shared with the adagio first movement of the
flute sonata in D major (HWV 378). Concludes on a B
major chord), Allegro (two sections (31 and 44
bars)—each with repeat markings. Passepied-like in a
brisk tempo. In common with the fourth movement of the
flute sonata in E minor (HWV 359b)) and Presto (two
sections (13 and 20 bars)—each with repeat markings.
Uses a favourite theme of Handel's).
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flute_sonata_in_E_minor_
(HWV_379)).
Although originally written for Flute & Continuo, I
created this Interpretation of the Sonata in E Minor
(HWV 379) for Flute & Strings (2 Violins, Viola &
Cello).