Chaconne in G Major

Handel’s magisterial Chaconne in G Major has a history almost as elaborate as its bravura style. Every time Handel picked up the score he revised it, leaving us with five slightly different versions created over the years between about 1705 and 1717. The best-known of these today was published in Handel’s second set of harpsichord suites of 1733. The “chaconne” was a popular Baroque instrumental form based on the repetition of a short bass line or harmonic sequence, which composers then elaborated with continuous variations. Like Handel’s Chaconne of 1733, these pieces could reach considerable lengths and were ideal as virtuoso showcases. Over the course of 21 variations, Handel carefully contrasts the keyboard patterns and figuration he uses, increasing the technical demands, especially for the left hand, culminating in a brilliant display for both hands simultaneously. Part of the reason for the work’s popularity in the 18th century was Handel’s skill in calibrating the music to sound more impressive and difficult to play than it really was.