The Oboe sonata in C minor (HWV 366) was composed (1711–1712) by George Frideric Handel for oboe and basso continuo. The work is also referred to as Opus 1 No. 8, and was first published in 1732 by Walsh. Other catalogues of Handel's music have referred to the work as HG xxvii, 29; and HHA iv/18,32.[1]
Both the Walsh edition and the Chrysander edition indicate that the work is for oboe (Hoboy), and published it as Sonata VIII.
A typical performance of the work takes about six and a half minutes.
The work consists of four movements:
| Movement | Type | Key signature | Time signature | Bars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Largo | C minor | 18 | The key signature only has two flats (with the A flat needed to establish the key of C minor being written-in as accidentals). The tempo of Largo is not written (but is stylistically assumed in performance). Concludes with a G major chord. The movement is also used in the flute sonata in E minor (HWV 375). | |
| 2 | Allegro | C minor | 45 | Has a fugal beginning. The movement is also used in the flute sonata in E minor (HWV 375). | |
| 3 | Adagio | E major | 30 | Concludes with a G major chord. | |
| 4 | Allegro | C minor | 20 | Two sections (8 and 12 bars)—each with repeat markings. The movement begins G major. In Bourrée style. | |
(Movements do not contain repeat markings unless indicated. The number of bars is taken from the Chrysander edition, and is the raw number in the manuscript—not including repeat markings.)