Flute sonata in B minor (HWV 376)

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The Flute sonata in B minor (HWV 376) is thought to have been composed by George Frideric Handel, for flute and keyboard (harpsichord). The date of composition of the work is unknown, but it was first published in 1730. Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the work as HG xlviii, 137; and HHA iv/3,68. [1]

Contents

The authenticity of the sonata is uncertain. Of the three "Halle" sonatas, it is the best candidate for not having been composed by Handel (although if it wasn't, it is an extremely good imitation of his style). It is referred to as "Halle Sonata No. 3", and is sometimes called "Hallenser Sonaten" (following Chrysander's assumption that it was an early work). The Chrysander edition indicates that the work is for flute ("Traversa"), and published it as Sonata XVIII.

A typical performance of the work takes almost seven minutes.

It is quoted at length in the second movement of the ballet Pulcinella by Igor Stravinsky.

Movements

The work consists of four movements:

MovementTypeKey signatureTime signatureBarsNotes
1AdagioB minor4
4		21Shows a typical Handelian relationship between the flute line and the bass—with imitations and overlapping phrases.
2AllegroB minor4
4		58Two sections (18 and 40 bars)—each with repeat markings. The first section concludes in F♯ major, and the second section begins in D major. In cut-common time. A type of two-voice fugue with textural interchanges between voices.
3Largo?3
4		17A brief movement beginning in D major and ending in F♯ major.
4AllegroB minor3
8		67Two sections (23 and 44 bars)—each with repeat markings. The first section concludes in F♯ major, and the second section begins in D major. A spritely movement which begins like a Handelian opera aria.

(Movements do not contain repeat markings unless indicated. The number of bars is taken from the Chrysander edition, and is the raw number in the manuscript—not including repeat markings.)

See also

Related Research Articles

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The Sonata in F major was composed by George Frideric Handel for recorder and harpsichord. The work is also referred to as Opus 1 No. 11, and was first published in 1732 by Walsh. Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the work as HG xxvii,40; and HHA iv/3,52.

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References

  1. ↑ Hicks, Anthony (2001). "Handel, George Frideric". In Sadie, Stanley; Tyrrell, John (eds.). The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians . x (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan. p. 802.


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