Water Music, HWV 348–350
by George Frideric Handel
Composed for a royal water party on the Thames in July 1717, the Water Music consists of three suites in F major, G major, and D major, scored for varying combinations of oboes, bassoon, horns, trumpets, strings, and continuo. The D major suite's 'Air' and the F major suite's 'Hornpipe' are among the most enduring melodies in Baroque orchestral music. The work is a landmark in the genre of outdoor ceremonial music and showcases Handel's gift for spacious, confident orchestration.
Editions
Bärenreiter
Hans Ferdinand Redlich, 1959
Hallische Händel-Ausgabe critical edition. The scholarly standard, based on all available manuscript and printed sources.
Deutsche Händelgesellschaft
Friedrich Chrysander, 1886
Original complete works edition; historically important, though now superseded by the Bärenreiter HHA for scholarly use.
Eulenburg
Roger Fiske, 1973
Miniature study score with introductory essay. Practical and widely available for orchestral students.