Concerto Op 3 No 1

Chiltern Recorder Consort Series

George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel baptised Georg Friedrich Händel, (23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-British Baroque composer well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi and organ concertos. 

Alex Ayre was a British recorder teacher and performer who arranged over 500 pieces, of mainly English Renaissance and Baroque music, for recorder ensembles. 

The Concerti grossi, Op. 3, HWV 312–317, are (in total) six concerti grossi by George Frideric Handel compiled into a set and published by John Walsh in 1734. The first and probably earliest concerto of the set is scored originally for two recorders, two oboes, two bassoons, strings (with divided viola), and continuo. It is unusual in that only its first movement is in the tonic key of B-flat major—the other two are in the relative minor, G minor. Alex Ayre has arranged this concerto for recorder ensemble. 

Score: 26 pages. 7 parts @ 4 pages ea.