Music #333 - Händel - Water Music & Fireworks

George Frideric Händel 

(1685 - 1759)

Handel & KG1 on the Thames

Water Music  (3 suites)

After the coronation of King George I (from Hanover) in London, there was a grand water party on the Thames River.  As the royal boats floated down the Thames to Whitehall, all the musicians on boats competed for his attention.  

Suddenly from a boat at the rear, Handel conducted his Water Music (with French horn), louder than all others. KG1 liked this piece, and re-hired Handel as court musician; a while ago at Hanover he had fired Handel who spent too much time at London.

Suite Nº 2 - Mvt.2 Alla Hornpipe

Click here for all 3 suites (totaling 1-hour)

Dancing to the Water Music

 

Music for the Royal Fireworks Suite

* Mvt 1 - Overture

* Mvt 2-5 
   [0:00] Mvt 2 - Bourrée: a fast French dance
   [1:44] Mvt 3 - La Paix: Largo alla siciliana  
   [4:56] Mvt 4 - La Réjouissance / Rejoice 
   [7:19] Mvt 5 - Menuets 1 and 2