Violin sonata in G minor (HWV 368)
The Violin Sonata in G minor (HWV 368) is a sonata for violin and basso continuo composed by George Frideric Handel. It is one of several violin sonatas attributed to Handel, although its authenticity has sometimes been questioned. The sonata is catalogued as HWV 368 in the Handel-Werke-Verzeichnis.
The sonata consists of four movements:
- Adagio
- Allegro
- Adagio
- Allegro
The work is characterized by its contrasting moods and technically demanding violin part, particularly in the allegro movements. The Adagio movements provide moments of lyrical beauty and expressive depth. The basso continuo provides harmonic support and rhythmic drive throughout the sonata.
While the authenticity of HWV 368 (and other Handel violin sonatas) has been debated by musicologists, the sonata remains a popular piece in the violin repertoire, often performed and recorded. The issue of attribution stems from the fact that Handel reused material in various works, and some sonatas may have been arrangements or adaptations rather than wholly original compositions. Regardless of its exact genesis, the Violin Sonata in G minor (HWV 368) is considered a significant and enjoyable work.