Music #333 - Händel - Water Music & Fireworks

George Frideric Händel 

(1685 Prussia - 1759 England)

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.  

The Coronation barge party

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.

Handel & KGI on the Thames

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