Minuet in G Major by George Frideric Handel is the most challenging ensemble in this chapter. Nevertheless, it is playable by advanced beginners with determined practice and a little coaching.
The minuet is a stately ballroom dance in triple meter. It is of French origin and was popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The gently driving triple meter and regular phrase structure hint at its social dance origins.
Musings
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 was forced to hide a clavichord (small keyboard instrument) in the attic in order to practice.
Handel achieved great fame during his life, traveled extensively, and earned a comfortable living. As a composer, he 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
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 Video
Before practicing, study the video and absorb the feel of the piece.
Minuet in G Major | George Frideric Handel (1:59)
Learn your part before rehearsing in class with your ensemble partners. To get used to the sound of different parts while you play, practice with the audio track.
Musings
Study Tips
Listen to the Video
