Our final ensemble selection is Minuet in G Major by George Frideric Handel. It is the most advanced ensemble choice in this chapter. However, it is playable by some advanced beginners with determined practice and a little coaching.
The minuet is a stately ballroom dance in triple meter. It is originally of French origin and popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The gently driving triple meter and regular phrase structure hint at its social dance origins.
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was born in Halle, Germany to a middle class, non-musical family. He exhibited musical talent as a child but studied music in secret due to his father’s objections. He is reputed to have hid a clavichord in the attic to practice.
Handel achieved great fame during his life, traveled extensively and reaped sizable financial rewards. As a composer, Handel was prolific and excelled in every genre, especially opera and oratorio. He is perhaps best known for his Water Music Suite and oratorio, Messiah.
Study Tips
Like prior ensembles, the guitar 1 part of Minuet in G Major uses notes in the fifth position. If you're unfamiliar with the fifth position, review the New Notes section several pages back.
Listen to the Track
Before practicing, study the audio track and absorb the feel of the piece.
Minuet in G Major | George Frideric Handel | Student performance (1:59)
Handel Musings
Study Tips
Listen to the Track
