Cor Anglais Sonata No. 1

Description

The cor anglais, or English horn, is a somewhat newer addition to the double-reed family. It was invented in 1720, at which time both Bach and Handel were quite active. However, neither of those giants ever used the instrument, and its first scored orchestral part appears in Ezio, an opera by Niccolò Jommelli (1749). Given the rich repertoire of baroque works for oboe, there is certainly no reason why Albinoni, Bach, Telemann, et al. might not have written for the cor anglais. However, no such manuscripts are known to us.
My Sonata #1 in D Minor is indeed such a baroque composition, utilizing the familiar four-movement structure of the form during that era. The influence of Bach is readily apparent in the first three movements, although the fourth is far closer to “Variations in the Italian Manner” than the chaconne Bach might have preferred for variations — or the giga or gigue he would more likely have presented. I did not provide indications for the articulation or dynamics. I trust that performers will familiarize themselves with stylistic conventions and ultimately feel free to discover what works best for them. Similarly, they should also appreciate the improvisatory nature of baroque music and feel free to add embellishments where passages clearly allow such liberties (notably in the third movement).
I devoutly hope that this composition and the Op. 8-b sonata (in A Minor) will encourage other composers — particularly those comfortable in the baroque style — to write solo music for the cor anglais.