Water Music

Orchestral divertimento by GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL, 1717. It was written for King George I of England, to be played on an open barge during the king's sailing party on the Thames River. Three orchestral SUITES were subsequently drawn from it, consisting of various AIRES, HORNPIPES, MINUETS, and other dances. The publishers seized on its success and printed numerous arrangements under the title The Celebrated Water Musick.