George Frideric Handel

Overture to the Oratorio Sampson George Frideric Handel

(Southern Music). In the key of G Major, the work begins with a Moderato where dotted rhythms are abundant. A brief Adagio intervenes and we continue with a slightly fugal, crisply rhythmic Allegro, with 16th note passage work for the upper strings. After another brief Adagio, Handel finishes with a lyric Minuet. All sections are active throughout. This Overture is a wonderful introduction to the Baroque period and the bowing and ornamental styles that go with it.