Minuet and Rigaudon, from Almira (cello duo)

Title: Menuet and Rigaudon, from the opera Almira

Composer: G. F. Handel, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Two Cellos

Printout: 2 pages

Note: Listening to these two dances from Handel’s first opera, Almira, it is easy to see why he became such a prominent composer of operas. Written when Handel was only 19 years old, they have the sophistication one expects of a much more seasoned composer.

The audio sample includes the beginnings of both dances.