Handelakkoorden

Handelakkoorden is a Dutch term used in some music-theory and pedagogy contexts to describe a family of chords frequently found in the harmonic language associated with the Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. The term does not denote a formal theoretical category in standard music-theory literature, but rather a practical label used by teachers to illustrate common patterns in Handel’s keyboard accompaniments and continuo lines.

Characteristics of Handelakkoorden include functional harmony within the common-practice era, frequent cadential patterns such as I–V–I with cadential six-four, predominant-to-dominant motion (IV–V), and the use of dominant seventh chords. Voice-leading habits often emphasize the resolution of tendency tones by semitone steps, producing the characteristic Baroque sense of forward motion and clarity of harmonic function.

In practice, Handelakkoorden are taught as models for analyzing continuo parts and left-hand accompaniments, helping students recognize how chordal motion supports melodic lines in the right hand. They commonly appear in sequences and phrases that underpin Baroque dance suites and operatic arias where Handel’s harmonic language is prominent.

Because the term is not universally standardized, interpretations of what constitutes a Handelakkoord may vary between teachers and textbooks. The concept nevertheless serves as a teaching aid to recognize common chordal functions and to develop stylistic phrasing in accord with Baroque harmony.

See also: Baroque harmony, continuo, figured bass, cadential six-four, voice leading.