Concerto Grosso in F major

At a glance

• What it isthe first movement of No. 2 in F major from Handel's Twelve Grand Concertos, Op. 6.
• Who, when, whyin autumn 1739 in London, Handel wrote all twelve within little more than a month, and published them by subscription the following year.
• What to listen forthe contrast between the small solo group and the full ensemble, and the two violins intertwining.

Listen for

• The openingthe violins bring out an easy, singing melody, gently supported by the others.
• Call and answerwhen the small solo group sings, the full ensemble answers more loudly. Listen for the moments the texture thickens or thins.
• Two violinsthe pair sing the same tune slightly out of step, following each other.

When it was written

The concerto grosso flowered in Italy, with Corelli's works as the model. Handel, who spent his youth in Italy, had met Corelli in person. Op. 6 follows that model, with two violins and a cello as the solo group.

In 1739, as Italian opera lost favor in London, Handel was turning toward English oratorio and instrumental music. He sometimes played these concertos between the acts of his oratorio performances. Writing twelve in little more than a month shows how fast he could compose.