Flute Sonatas, Volume II, “Halle Sonatas”

with two separate Flute/Basso Continuo parts.

The fact that the three so-called “Hallenser” Sonatas do not all date from Handel’s youth in Halle does not adversely affect their popularity. Since only very little is known about them, and because certain stylistic characteristics suggest an early composition date, the sonatas were formerly assigned to Handel’s Halle years. However, we now know that at least the e minor Sonata was written in London. We include a combined part for Flute/Basso in this Urtext edition, so that both players – flautist and accompanist – can play from this musical text. We are also offering, in addition to the thoroughbass figuring, a historically-appropriate thoroughbass realization within the score.

• Flute Sonata a minor HWV 374

• Flute Sonata e minor HWV 375

• Flute Sonata b minor HWV 376