Händel, Georg Friedrich : Partita Allemande HWV450
Work Overview
Genre:allemande
Total Playing Time:3 min 20 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: October 17, 2024
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
This allemande features strong polyphonic elements. There are common sections in the first and second halves; measures 6-8 of the first half correspond to measures 15-17 of the second half. Although the first half begins in G major, the C changes to C# from measure 4, modulating to D major. It then concludes with a D major cadence. Measures 6-8 of this first half remain largely on the dominant, creating a sense of high tension.
Conversely, measures 15-17 of the second half also stay on the dominant, but as they are in the original G major, they feel softer than the first half.
The first half is structured in two keys, G major and D major. The second half begins in D major and reaches an E minor cadence at measure 12. Although measures 11-12 are brief, they can be considered a modulation to E minor. The perception of high or low tension in this E minor section is left to the performer.
While this is the author's personal impression, this allemande is generally tranquil, requiring elegance rather than emotional intensity.