Handel, Minnesota Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Orchestra – Music For The Royal Fireworks; Water Music Suites In F & D

Handel – Music For The Royal Fireworks; Water Music Suites In F & D

A superb collection of Georg Friedrich Handel's most famous orchestral works, bringing together Music For The Royal Fireworks with two of the celebrated Water Music suites. Performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and Chicago Chamber Orchestra, this programme showcases the grandeur, ceremony and rich instrumental colours that have made Handel's orchestral music a cornerstone of the Baroque repertoire.

Written in 1749 for a spectacular royal celebration in London's Green Park, Music For The Royal Fireworks was composed for a large outdoor ensemble and remains one of Handel's most recognisable works. The suite opens with the majestic Ouverture, followed by the lively Bourree, the serene La Paix, the triumphant La Rejouissance and the stately Menuet And Trio. La Rejouissance in particular has become synonymous with ceremonial and celebratory classical music.

The collection also features Handel's famous Water Music, originally written for a royal river procession on the River Thames in 1717. The Water Music Suite In F includes the Ouverture, Adagio E Staccato, Hornpipe And Andante, Jig, Air, Minuet, Bourree And Hornpipe and Gavotte, showcasing the contrast between stately dance movements, lyrical passages and brilliant orchestral writing.

Completing the programme is the Water Music Suite In D, featuring Prelude, Hornpipe, Minuet, Lentement and Bourree. With its combination of famous melodies, ceremonial grandeur and elegant Baroque orchestration, this is an excellent choice for listeners discovering Handel's orchestral music as well as collectors looking for Water Music and Royal Fireworks in one programme.

Tracklist

Music For The Royal Fireworks

1. Ouverture
2. Bourree
3. La Paix
4. La Rejouissance
5. Menuet And Trio

Water Music Suite In F
6. Ouverture
7. Adagio E Staccato
8. Hornpipe And Andante
9. Jig
10. Air
11. Minuet
12. Bourree And Hornpipe
13. Gavotte

Water Music Suite In D
14. Prelude
15. Hornpipe
16. Minuet
17. Lentement
18. Bourree