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Händel, Georg Friedrich : Suite Air and Variation HWV 428

Work Overview

Music ID : 30421
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:suite
Total Playing Time:7 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: July 15, 2024
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

In the case of variations, normally the theme (subject) is the most easily understood, and one can build upon it. However, for this Air, observing Variations 2 and 3 makes the overall structure clearer. For example, in Variation 2, in measure 1, the four quarter notes in the right hand form a melodic line: D, C#, D, A. In the original Air, these notes are present precisely at the beginning of the beats in measure 1.

Therefore, in the original Air and each variation, the performer determines the dynamics; however, if D minor is generally played strongly and F major more softly, the piece will flow smoothly.

For instance, the first half consists of four measures. Measure 1 is in D minor, measure 2 in F major, and measure 3 returns to D minor. Since measure 4 contains a deceptive cadence in D minor, the tension remains elevated as the second half begins. For example, if the first half is divided into two 2-measure phrases, by gradually decreasing the volume from measure 1 and making a diminuendo until the end of measure 2, and then performing a crescendo from p over measures 3-4, one can smoothly transition into the second half.

Similarly, determine the dynamics in consideration of the preceding and succeeding musical context.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou

Sheet Music

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