Oboe sonata in C minor (HWV 366)

Baroque oboe, Stanesby copy

The Oboe sonata in C minor (HWV 366) was composed (circa 1711-12) by George Frideric Handel for oboe and keyboard (harpsichord). The work is also referred to as Opus 1 No. 8, and was first published in 1732 by Walsh. Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the work as HG xxvii,29; and HHA iv/18,32.[1]

Both the Walsh edition and the Chrysander edition indicate that the work is for oboe (Hoboy), and published it as Sonata VIII.

A typical performance of the work takes about six and a half minutes.

Movements

The work consists of four movements:

Movement Type Key signature Time signature Bars Notes
1 Largo C minor 4/4 18 The key signature only has two flats (with the A flat needed to establish the key of C minor being written-in as accidentals). The tempo of Largo is not written (but is stylistically assumed in performance). Concludes with a G major chord. The movement is also used in the flute sonata in E minor (HWV 375).
2 Allegro C minor 4/4 45 Has a fugal beginning. The movement is also used in the flute sonata in E minor (HWV 375).
3 Adagio E flat major 3/2 30 Concludes with a G major chord.
4 Allegro C minor 4/4 20 Two sections (8 and 12 bars)—each with repeat markings. The movement begins G major. In Bourrée style.

(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

References

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