Concerto ‘No 4a’ is scored for two oboes, one bassoon, strings and continuo. It is probable that this concerto was first performed during the opera
Amadigi on 20 June 1716 ‘for the Benefit of the Instrumental Musick’ at the King’s Theatre, Haymarket. As an integral work for a specific occasion it is an unusually special and unified piece, displaying to advantage almost every facet of Handel’s concerto grosso style.
from notes by Roy Goodman © 1992
;)
