Concerto Grosso Op. 6/5 HWV 323

The third movement of Handel’s Grand Concerto Op.6/5 is a lively and light-hearted Presto in 3/8 time and binary form. It is dominated by a busy semiquaver motif that runs through the dance-like piece.  It is followed by a short slow Largo in 3/2 time governed by the concertino parts with with the two solo violins in eloquent counterpoint. The movement adheres strictly to the pattern set by Corelli in that each episode for soloists is followed by a tutti response highlighting the  contrasts of soloist and orchestra.