11.3 Handel's instrumental works and concerti grossi

Handel's instrumental works showcase his versatility as a composer, blending Italian, German, and English styles. From concerti grossi to organ concertos and orchestral suites, his pieces demonstrate the growing importance of instrumental music in the Baroque era.

Handel's compositions reflect the cosmopolitan nature of Baroque music, incorporating Italian concerto writing and German contrapuntal techniques. His works, influenced by Corelli and Vivaldi, contributed to establishing the concerto as a major genre and influenced later composers.

Handel's Instrumental Works

Handel's instrumental genres

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  6 Concerti Grossi, Op.3 (Handel, George Frideric) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

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Top images from around the web for Handel's instrumental genres

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  6 Concerti Grossi, Op.3 (Handel, George Frideric) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

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  Handel Concerti Grossi Opp. 3 And 6 Hans Martin Linde Capr… | Flickr View original

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  Handel 6 Concertos For Organ And Orchestra Op. 4 Classico … | Flickr View original

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  6 Concerti Grossi, Op.3 (Handel, George Frideric) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

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  Handel Concerti Grossi Opp. 3 And 6 Hans Martin Linde Capr… | Flickr View original

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• Composed several sets of concerti grossi, most notably his Op. 6 collection modeled after Corelli's concerti grossi (Op. 6)
• Wrote organ concertos for use during oratorio performances showcasing Handel's virtuosity as an organist
• Created orchestral suites such as Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks for outdoor celebrations and events featuring a variety of dance movements and instrumental combinations
• Composed solo sonatas for various instruments demonstrating Handel's ability to write for solo instruments (violin, flute, oboe)
• Wrote trio sonatas for two melodic instruments and basso continuo following the Italian style of the Baroque period

Structure of concerti grossi

• Concerti grossi typically consist of several movements alternating between slow and fast tempi
• Movements often based on dance forms (gavotte, minuet) or ritornello structure
• Feature a concertino group of solo instruments contrasting with a ripieno group of the full orchestra
• Blend Italian and German influences in their style
• Include virtuosic solo passages for concertino instruments (violin, oboe)
• Use counterpoint and imitation between solo and tutti sections
• Contain expressive and ornate slow movements and lively, energetic fast movements

Italian influence on Handel

• Handel's concerti grossi modeled after Arcangelo Corelli's Op. 6 set using ritornello structure and alternation between solo and tutti sections
• Antonio Vivaldi influenced Handel's concerto writing, particularly in terms of virtuosity, style, use of ritornello form, and three-movement structure (fast-slow-fast)
• Italian opera composers like Alessandro Scarlatti influenced Handel's melodic writing, ornamentation, and use of expressive, cantabile melodies in slow movements

Handel's music in Baroque context

• Represents a synthesis of Italian, German, and English styles incorporating elements of Italian concerto writing (ritornello form) and German contrapuntal techniques (fugal passages)
• Reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Baroque music
• Demonstrates the increasing importance of instrumental music in the Baroque era as it gained independence from vocal music
• Showcases the virtuosity and technical abilities of Baroque musicians with demanding solo passages for concertino instruments requiring skilled performers and ensembles
• Contributes to the establishment of the concerto as a major genre, serving as a model for later composers and influencing the development of the solo concerto in the Classical period (Mozart, Beethoven)