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Händel, Georg Friedrich : Suite Saraband HWV 452

Work Overview

Music ID : 30392
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:salabande
Total Playing Time:3 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: October 17, 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.

This sarabande can be interpreted as an expression of sorrow. Although it begins in G minor, it already receives inspiration from B-flat major by the 4th measure. In the 8th measure, F changes to F-sharp, and it returns to G minor, but in the 10th measure, it becomes a double dominant (borrowed chord) V/V, increasing the tension and resulting in the most dramatic descent in this sarabande.

Therefore, although the highest notes in the first half are B-flat in the 1st measure and B-flat in the 9th measure, the A in the 8th measure can be considered the peak point.

In the latter half, it begins in B-flat major, and in the 16th measure, it reaches a B-flat major cadence (final form). From there, it ascends, returns to G minor, reaches the highest note, B-flat, again in the 21st measure, and then descends.

G minor and B-flat major (including its inspiration) thus alternate. By softening the timbre of the major sections, a contrast with the minor sections is created.

As an aside, regarding the trill in the 2nd measure, the author finds G and F-sharp more fitting than G and F.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou
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