DESCRIPTION:
Sonata # 1 Movement II-Allegro by George Frederick Handel
Published by Amsco Music Publishing Company
This movement is part of a collection of oboe solos titled OBOE SOLOS Arranged by Jay Arnold
This movement is full of life and is quite technical with a variety of articulation patterns, rhythmic patterns, and a combination of stepwise and large melodic skips. One could say that this movement is quite "gymnastic." As a result, a light responsive ready is necessary for the best result.
The piece begins with an upbeat pattern with a descending chromatic scale pattern ending with wide skips up the scale. The first eight bars starts piano and gradually crescendos to a forte dynamic level. This is followed by a long stepwise slur pattern to measure number 13.
Notice the large number of accidentals in this movement, the many dynamic contrasts throughout, and the variety of articulations that are expected of the oboist. As the opening has a chromatic scale pattern down, at number 37 there is the reverse-a chromatic scale pattern going up one octave from low "G" to high "G".
The piece ends with a long crescendo starting the last four measures ending with a ritardando, trill from C to D and a final fermata on the last note. This is a dramatic piece requiring lots of practice, repetition, and dress rehearsals prior to a first public performance. Coupling this movement with movement I is an exciting presentation for any recital, concert, or solo contest performance that is being judged by a professional oboist.
The key to improving this movement from week-t0-week is starting your practice at a slower tempo and playing four measures at a time. Expand those four measures with accurate rhythms, fingerings, dynamics, and articulations with a steady tempo. Finally, increase that tempo to an Allegro tempo where you can perform the piece from beginning to with a steady tempo with no mistakes. Give yourself two months lead time before playing the piece in public.