G.F. Handel: Sonata in G minor for 2 Double Basses & Piano (ed. David Heyes)

About the Composition

Handel’s Sonata in G minor is originally for 2 violins (or flutes) and continuo and is believed to date from c.1719. The four contrasting movements (Andante-Allegro-Largo-Andante) offer a wealth of musical and technical challenges throughout the middle register of the double bass and the accompaniment, based on one by Richard Barth (1850-1923), features both clarity and support.

Sonata in G minor has been arranged for many instrumental combinations and transcribes beautifully for 2 double basses who play independently and in ensemble, creating music which is vibrant, warm and instantly appealing. It is one of Handel’s most popular trio sonatas with performers and audiences, in the form of an Italianate sonata da chiesa (Church Sonata), and with four movements slow-fast-slow-fast.

Each movement abounds in wonderful counterpoint with a strong and inventive dialogue between the two soloists. The slow movements emphasize the singing and cantabile qualities of the double bass and the fast movements overflow with energy and a strong rhythmic momentum.

This edition is available for both orchestral tuning and solo tuning.

About the Editor

David Heyes studied double bass with Laurence Gray and Bronwen Naish, later at the Royal College of Music in London, and completed his post- graduate studies in Prague with František Pošta (Principal Bass, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra).

He has given recitals and masterclasses in 20 countries over the past few years and has been a juror at a number of international competitions, three times as chairman. David's collaborative work gained him a prestigious award from the David Walter Charitable Trust of New York for his pioneering activities as a soloist, teacher, publisher, and commissioner of new music for double bass and he works with composers throughout the world to expand the double bass repertoire by commissioning new music and by rediscovering forgotten ones. Since 1983 more than 750 works have been written for him, music from one to twenty basses and from beginner to virtuoso, and he has premiered ten contemporary concertos with orchestra.

David began to compose in 2013 and has had music performed and recorded in 35 countries across five continents. He is a D'Addario Performing Artist, has recently commissioned a solo double bass from British master-luthier Martin Penning, and in 2025 was awarded a Fellowship from Victoria College of Music & Drama (London).