The Passacaglia (Handel/Halvorsen) for Piano

What is a "Passacaglia"?

A Passacaglia was originally a Spanish folk dance. Literally translated, the word meant "walking across the street". However, the first musical examples are not from Spain, but from 17th century Italy. They describe a slow baroque dance.

A Passacaglia is characterized by a repeating bass line ("basso ostinato"), which forms the foundation of the composition. Further ingredients are the main theme - and possibly other themes. These are then varied in the course of the piece. Variations of one or more of the themes interweave over the bass line to form a slow, harmonious piece of music.

Closely related to the passacaglia is the Chaconne, a slightly faster Baroque dance.

The Passacaglia's Historical Origins

This piece of music is based on the last movement of George Frideric Handel's Harpsichord Suite No. 7 in G minor, HWV 432. The Master's Passacaglia already captivates the audience with its baroque splendor. But it became even more popular when new life was breathed into it: The Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen published a romantic arrangement for viola and violin in 1893. To this day, Halvorsen's version is extremely popular with musicians, music lovers, and concert-goers.

How to Learn the Passacaglia by Handel/Halvorsen on the Piano

The Passacaglia is ideal for you if you have some experience on the piano. 1-2 years of piano learning is perfect.

1. Start by reading the sheet music. At OKTAV, we have arrangements for several difficulty levels, from level 18 to level 46.
2. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the piece. At OKTAV, we have a "parts" button that, once activated, will automatically show you the different parts: Intro with the ostinato bass, 3 variations, coda (end).
3. Learn the left hand. Take your time with it because the notes in the bass clef are the foundation of the piece. In our Passacaglia - Song Tutorial, OKTAV piano teacher Carmen Manera will show you how to practice all the jumps.
4. Practice all three variations in the right hand and be careful not to overexert the hand. The right technique will help with that.
5. Bring it together. Practice each variation with both hands. Take your time!
6. Practice the whole piece focusing on finger coordination and rhythm.
7. The Passacaglia contains a whole range of dynamic markings. Pay attention to dynamic instructions.
8. Speed up if necessary. Watch your tempo and your phrasing. Bring everything to life.

Other Famous Passacaglias

Handel's Passacaglia is just one among quite a few famous Passacaglias:

• Johann Sebastian Bach - Passacaglia and Fugue in c-Minor, BWV 582: Bach's work is an exemplary Passacaglia - complex melodies seem to hover over a serene ostinato bass.
• Dmitri Schostakowitsch - Passacaglia from Symphony No. 8: This symphonic Passacaglia is a mighty, emotional piece of work. The ostinato bass repeats over 11 times while tension and drama increase.
• Benjamin Britten - Passacaglia from "Peter Grimes": Britten's opera "Peter Grimes" contains a Passacaglia. Its bassline recurs 38 times underneath a fascinating viola theme. The music emphasizes the main character's emotional turmoil.