Valparaiso, Indiana

Sonata # 3  (Movement III-Largo) by George Frederick Handel

Published by Amsco

This piece is part of a collection of oboe solos titled OBOES SOLOS  Arranged by Jay Arnold

# 1

Largo means long.  The tempo of this piece is one beat per second (M.M.= 60) with the half note receiving the beat.  The meter is in 3/2 time.  It is important for the oboist to play this movement in the style of a violinist with the notes sustaining as long as possible within the proper rhythm for each note.  The oboist needs to think “bowing” each note like a violinist rather than tonging each note like a trumpeter.

# 2

The first marking in measure one is espressivo or full of emotion and expression.  This can be accomplished best with a good vibrato and stretching the last note of the measure across the measure to the first note of the next measure.  The nuance of both the vibrato and stretching specific notes in almost a rubato style of melodic expression can be a wonderful moment for the listener and the performer.

# 3

The first crescendo/diminuendo of the piece is emphasized with a trill on the “E” natural with is the dramatic moment of the the dynamic pattern.  This can be exaggerated and held back ever so slightly to add drama to the melodic line.  This idea repeats a second time before measure 9 and repeats yet again and again towards the end of the piece.  All these dynamic markings should be exaggerated.  The trills (E natural to F) should be played with the regular “F” fingering.

# 4

The final note is a ‘C#”.  The diminuendo that occurs on this last note is the most dramatic moment of the entire movement.  The key to success is to save the soft playing to the very end of the note.  Start the note will a full forte sound and sustain it until the last two beats.  Pause after ending the note while the audience absorbs the moment.  This takes about two-three seconds.  Stay still and keep your oboe in place with reed in your mouth while exhaling.  This is a most dramatic moment for the audience.

# 5

This slow movement combined with a fast movement makes for a dramatic musical presentation for recital, concert, and contest performances.  Give yourself plenty of time to prepare this piece, especially if you are going to combine it with a second movement of contrasting style.  Performing your final presentation a number of times for family, friends, and classmates is very important before you give your public performance.

# 6

There is a YouTube video performance of the above information.  Go to our home page and click on INTERMEDIATE OBOE on the right side of the page.  This will connect you to the YouTube videos for intermediate oboists.  Click on # 14.  Good luck with your practicing and performances.