Händel, Georg Friedrich : Suite Saraband HWV 438
Work Overview
Genre:salabande
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: August 18, 2024
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Like the Allemande, this Sarabande also features chromatic progressions. Emotionally, the expression feels strong, suggesting that a broad dynamic range is desirable. Both the first and second halves of this Sarabande exhibit a characteristic phrase pattern of 'rapid ascent followed by gradual descent'. The gradual descent leads to a cadence (final form).
First Half
In the first half, the melodic line ascends from bar 1, reaching B in bar 2, then gradually descends, arriving at an E minor cadence in bar 8. From this point, it ascends again to F-sharp in bar 11, and from there, a gradual descent leads to the cadence in bar 16.
Second Half
In the second half, beginning in G major at bar 17, the line reaches D in bar 18, then gradually descends to bar 24. From here, it ascends again, this time gradually yet emotionally, towards G in bar 29. From there, it reaches an E minor cadence in the final bar. Therefore, the G in bar 29 represents the highest tension and the peak point of this Sarabande.
Dynamically, a smooth flow can be achieved by simply playing higher notes louder and lower notes softer.