Flute sonata in E minor (HWV 379)
The Flute sonata in E minor (HWV 379) was composed (circa 1727-28) by George Frideric Handel for flute and basso continuo. The work is also referred to as "Opus 1 No. 1a", and was first published in 1879 by Chrysander. Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the work as HG xxvii,2; and HHA iv/3,2. The work is the only sonata that survives as a flute sonata in Handel's own manuscript. Of the two sonatas published in the Chrysander edition as "Opus 1 Sonata I", this one ("Sonata I ) is not in the Walsh edition. Therefore, (although the work's authenticity remains unquestioned), this sonata is not strictly part of Handel's Opus 1". Chrysander's "Sonata I" and "Sonata I" have their first and fourth movements in common. A typical performance of the work takes about 13 minutes. Movements. The work consists of five movements: