The Beautiful Classic: ‘Passacaglia’ by Handel and Halvorsen

Handel’s “Passacaglia,” arranged by Johan Halvorsen, has become a classical favorite for pianists and audiences alike. 

The term passacaglia was derived from two Spanish words meaning cross or pass, and street. It was commonly used in Spanish dance music and songs of the 17th century, though it’s been traced as far back as the 16th century in Italy. Several well-known composers wrote passacaglias in subsequent eras, particularly the Baroque and Romantic.  

George Frideric Handel’s “Harpsichord Suite in G minor” contained six movements, the last of which was a passacaglia. In 1894, Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen famously published a piece for violin and cello based on this final movement of Handel’s suite.

The chord progression within the minor key of this piece is: i – IV – VII – III – VI – IV – V.  The left hand serves as the anchor, playing a bass line pattern (basso obstinato), that repeats throughout. The right hand has a melodic pattern of its own with variations of the theme presented in each passage. 

The piece’s sweet, catchy theme combined with the flowing, repetitive harmonic foundation has resulted in “Passacaglia” becoming one of the most celebrated works of classical music. As a piano solo, it is beautiful and serene, thus many pianists have chosen to add it to their repertoire. 

I hope you enjoy my rendition of the Handel/Halvorsen “Passacaglia” (video above).