Handel’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in A Major, HWV 361: Ariadne Daskalakis and Ensemble Vintage Köln

George Frederick Handel composed violin sonatas from his youth (Sonata in G Major, HWV 358) into old age (Sonata in D Major, HWV 371), over a 40 year timespan which took him from Rome to London. Among the nine violin sonatas attributed to Handel, a few are the works of other unknown composers, mislabeled by greedy publishers.

Among the authentic works is the Sonata No. 3 in A Major, HWV 361, composed circa 1726. With an infectious sense of melody, it is music which unfolds as a vibrant conversation among equal voices. The majestic opening movement is followed by a joyful Allegro which erupts with the imitative counterpoint of a fugato. Filled with operatic atmosphere, a brief, melancholy Adagio leads directly to the sunny final movement, which resembles a gigue.

This 2011 recording by Ensemble Vintage Köln features violinist Ariadne Daskalakis with Rainer Zipperling (viola de gamba) and Gerald Hambitzer (harpsichord):

I. Andante:

II. Allegro:

III. Adagio:

IV. Allegro:

Recordings

  • Handel: Violin Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 1, No. 3, HWV 361, Ariadne Daskalakis, Ensemble Vintage Köln Naxos

About Timothy Judd

A native of Upstate New York, Timothy Judd has been a member of the Richmond Symphony violin section since 2001. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he earned the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music, studying with world renowned Ukrainian-American violinist Oleh Krysa.

The son of public school music educators, Timothy Judd began violin lessons at the age of four through Eastman’s Community Education Division. He was a student of Anastasia Jempelis, one of the earliest champions of the Suzuki method in the United States.

A passionate teacher, Mr. Judd has maintained a private violin studio in the Richmond area since 2002 and has been active coaching chamber music and numerous youth orchestra sectionals.

In his free time, Timothy Judd enjoys working out with Richmond’s popular SEAL Team Physical Training program.

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