In 1724, Witovogel of Amsterdam published a collection of 15 solo sonatas with basso continuo composed by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). Although the solo parts could be played by the violin, the flute or the oboe, six of the 15 have established themselves as violin sonatas. Of these, the Sonata in D major has established itself as perhaps the most popular of the six. In four movements, arranged slow—fast—slow—fast, the Sonata in D major is Handel at his most characteristic. The opening Affettuoso is as deeply expressive as the best slow opera arias. The following Allegro is as brilliantly virtuosic as in the best fast opera arias. The following Larghetto in the minor is as expressive as the opening movement, but with the darker colorings of the tragic arias. The closing Allegro is as virtuosic as the previous Allegro, but with a more lively and dance-like feel.

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