Affekt

The Doctrine of the Affections: the Baroque theory that each movement or piece should embody a single, consistent emotional character or 'affect' — joy, grief, agitation, serenity — which the music expresses through its harmonic language, rhythm, and melodic style.

In Handel, the Affekt is usually established in the first few bars and maintained throughout. The Sarabande of HWV 437 is entirely grief (slow, minor, sustained); the Gigue of Suite No. 1 is entirely joy (fast, major, buoyant). Do not introduce a second emotion mid-movement. Identify the Affekt before playing and let every technical decision — touch, tempo, dynamics — serve that single character.