Step # 12 Solo for the Intermediate Oboist: Sonata # 1 (Movement I-Adagio) by Handel

Sonata # 1 ( Movement I-Adagio) by George Frederick Handel

Published by Amsco Music Publishing Company

This piece is part of a collection titled OBOE SOLOS Arranged by Jay Arnold

# 1

Turn to page 138 in this collection OBOE SOLOS and find SONATA # 1 (Movement I-Adagio) b y Handel

# 2

This is a most beautiful piece for the intermediate oboist.  It is in the key of “Bb” and can be performed in a slow four beats per measure with the quarter note receiving the beat or can be subdivided into eight beats per measure with the eighth note receiving the beat.  The accidentals in the piece include:  Ab, B natural, E natural, A natural, and F#.  Be sure to check your fingering chart for these correct fingerings.

# 3

The dynamics in this piece are most important starting with the first note.  Practice finding your dynamic range of the first note (“C”) so that you can perform with dynamic contrast a long crescendo and diminuendo ( from soft to loud to soft) over the first four measures.  Stretch each note so that the note connecting and overlap with each other with a strong feeling of each eighth note rhythm throughout the piece.

# 4

In measure 7 you have your first trill (A natural to Bb).  Start the trill on the A natural and trill slow to fast with the rhythm and grace of a ballet dancer.  Remember that the lower note is the more important note of the trill.  As you trill from very slow to fast, remember to hold the lower note before moving forward to the next note.

# 5

In measure 10 you are playing at a pp (very soft-pianissimo) dynamic level.  Practice playing this phrase an octave lower and then perform the phrase as written.  You want a very soft but a very singing oboe sound here.  Keep he air flowing for the best sound and a firm upper lip.

# 6

In measure 16 you have another trill (B natural to C).  Again, start the trill on B natural and trill very slow to fast ending on B natural before moving to the next note.  The trill is a graceful note that is measured and not an improvisation.  Try trilling two slow trill patterns followed by four increasingly fast patterns.  Experiment with what works best for you.  The trill should sound more graceful and measured than nervous.  Always end the trill on the lower note (B natural).

# 7

The last note of the piece is a low “G”.  It is preceded by a trill from regular low “F” to low “G”.  Be sure to use the regular “F” fingering and start this trill on the note above the trill -low “G”.  Again, move your fingers gracefully from slow to fast ending on the lower note and moving forward towards the final note of the piece.

# 8

Ask your music director to help you find a good accompanist.  This is an excellent piece to perform for a school recital or at your local solo and ensemble contest where a professional oboist can critique your performance.  Give yourself at least -8 weeks of practice before performing this piece in public.  Performing this piece for friends, family, and classmates at school will be very helpful in your preparation to do your best.

# 8

There is a YouTube video performance of the above information.  Go to our home page and click on Intermediate Oboe on the right side.  You will be connected to the YouTube videos for Intermediate Oboists. Click on # 12.  Good luck with your practicing and performances.

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