The Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music (HWV 349), performed by the Festspiel Orchester Göttingen and directed by Laurence Cummings
Why did Handel compose a series of 3 orchestral suites, naming it Water Music?
King George I was planning an excursion up the Thames River and thought aloud, “Wouldn’t it be lovely if there was music to entertain my guests and me when we cruise up the River?”
With this thought, Handel wrote three Water Music suites for this special occasion. While King George I and his party sailed up Thames on a barge, another barge with a huge orchestra on board floated alongside to perform Handel’s suites. Many townsmen also gathered by the River to enjoy and dance to this lovely performance.
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The host and his guests enjoyed the joyous music so much they requested for the musicians to perform it four times, which lasted from 8 pm till past midnight! Can you imagine how exhausted the musicians were after this performance?
Try these listening and movement activities at home and be introduced to the instruments and sections of an orchestra as well.
Activity 1: Instruments of the Orchestra
Let’s first imagine we play a string instrument! 
Remember when we heard the trumpet and horn solos just now? Imitate a trumpet or horn player during these solos.
Take on different roles of the orchestra, don’t be shy, you can even try to be the conductor!Activity 2: Listening and Movement
Other Similar Suggested Music to Handel’s Water Music for Listening and Movement
The Air from Handel’s Water Music (HWV 349), performed by the Festspiel Orchester Göttingen and directed by Laurence Cummings
Henry Purcell: Rondeau from Abdelazer (Z570), Voices of Music
