Georg Friedrich Händel ： Suite HWV 438

This keyboard work from Handel’s second collection of harpsichord suites is distinguished by dance-like rhythms and a concise, clear harmonic flow. Contrasting sections follow one another, inviting the listener to appreciate the contrast between lively movement and more serene, songful passages. Listening for the exchange between voices and the tension leading toward cadences can make the structure of the music feel more three-dimensional. In performance, it is important not to make the sound too heavy, but to maintain the flow of the beat with clear articulation in the fingertips. Ornaments should be added naturally, preserving the breath of the melody; attention to balance between voices and the direction of each phrase brings rich expression to the music’s poise.