Handel returned repeatedly throughout his life to the composition of works for violin and basso continuo.
The earliest autograph, HWV 358, was composed around 1707, his last work for this combination of instruments, the Sonata in D major, HWV 371, stems from circa 1750.
In addition to the 5 sonatas, which have survived as autographs, there are 4 other sonatas of a spurious nature which have found a place in the violin repertoire under Handel’s name although they are certainly not from his pen. These sonatas are attempts by other unknown composers to make a name by using the style of the great master. To round off this first ever publication of Handel’s Complete Works for Violin and Basso continuo, there are two movements currently not available in any other performing edition: the Allegro, HWV 408 and an Andante, HWV 412.
The Authoritative Performing Edition
– Edition with the recently-revised Urtext of the Halle Handel Edition
– First ever performing edition of the complete works for violin and basso continuo in one volume
– With separate violin and continuo bass parts, the latter with figures
– Basso continuo part with figures including 2 movements not available in any other performing edition
– Includes valuable comments on performance practice
– An Associated Board recommended title
Contents
Sonata in G major HWV 358
Sonata in D minor HWV 359a
Sonata in A major HWV 361
Sonata in G minor HWV 364a
Sonata in D major HWV 371
Sonata in G minor HWV 368
Sonata in F major HWV 370
Sonata in A major HWV 372
Sonata in E major HWV 373
Allegro in C minor HWV 408
Andante in A minor HWV 412
 
 
 
Score Pages: 70
Violin Part Pages: 40
Basso Continuo Part Pages: 32
Language: English, German
Publisher: Bärenreiter

The three Trio Sonatas in this edition were taken from the sonata collection published in London by John Walsh in 1739. Since hardly any chamber music compositions have come down to us from Handel’s later years other than the well-known D major Violin Sonata, these Trio Sonatas can be considered as one of Handel’s last contributions to the field of instrumental chamber music.
The first edition specifies two violins or flutes as melody instruments for the Op.5 Sonatas. However, since scoring indications, particularly in instrumental chamber music, were taken very liberally at that time, it is also perfectly legitimate to play these works in other instrumental combinations (for example, violin and flute).
 
 
 
Score Pages: 32
Violin I Part Pages: 11
Violin II Part Pages: 11
Basso Continuo Part Pages: 11
Language: English, German
Publisher: Bärenreiter