Händel, Georg Friedrich : Allemande A-Dur HWV 477
Work Overview
Genre:Classical music and others
Total Playing Time:3 min 10 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: November 18, 2024
[Open]
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
This Allemande is quintessentially Handelian. The piece itself is optimistic and conveys a sense of joy. Measures 1-4 are in the original key of A major. From measure 5 (strictly speaking, measure 6), D changes to D-sharp, modulating to E major to conclude the first half. The second half modulates to F-sharp minor, ultimately returning to A major to conclude.
If we consider the right-hand figure F-sharp E D C-sharp in measures 3, beats 1-2, as a single unit, this unit appears in the first half as two phrases repeating three times, and one phrase repeating twice. In the second half, similar units appear once in measure 12 and twice in measure 16.
The challenge lies in how to treat the three repetitions of the same unit in the first half, as various performance approaches are possible. For instance, one could play the first instance mezzo-forte, the second piano, and the third mezzo-forte again; or one could gradually crescendo through all three.
Given Handel's unique "pleasant persistence," it might also be valid to choose not to apply any particular dynamic changes. However, introducing direction or dynamic variations can add depth to the piece.