Gavotte in G Major, HWV 491

Gavotte

This Gavotte in G Major, HWV 491 by George Frideric Handel was composed ca 1705, during the Baroque period.

It has a simple A-A-B-B musical form :

• Measures 1-8 : Phrase A (played twice) starts the main key of G Major and modulates to the dominant key of D Major in measure 6
• Measures 9-20 : Phrase B (played twice) begins in G Major but modulates to the relative key of E minor in measure 10 and back to the main key of G Major in measure 16

Although originally composed for the harpsichord, this Gavotte in G Major, HWV 491 can very well be played on the piano.

In accordance with Baroque performance practice, remember that unslurred quarter notes should be played slightly detached, especially in the left hand.

Please note that for your convenience, the editor has included in this score suggestions for adding a cadential trill in measure 7.

Similar cadential trills might also be added to measures 11 and 19.

Also, trills begin ON the beat, on the upper auxiliary note. More on less repercussions may be played depending on the player's ability.

Please note that the dynamics are editorial in this score as they do not appear in Handel's original work.

Also, the slurs in the descending passages of measures 2-3 and 12-15 are original.

Duration : 01:19

Source : George Frideric Handel, Miscellaneous Movements & Dances for Keyboard, HWV 457-586