• Water Music arranged by Stefan Taupe

• Orchestral arrangement, score, string booklet (Vl I-III, Va, Vc/KB) with harpsichord, wind booklet (C I/II, B I/II, F, Es)

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  Content: Allegro · Alla Hornpipe · Rigaudon · Lentement · Bourrée · Menuet I · Andante · Menuet II

 

The music that Handel composed for royal water excursions comprises three suites in different keys: F major, D major, and G major. No complete autograph exists. The reconstructed division is based primarily on early prints and contemporary copies.

This arrangement contains all movements of the Suite in D major, expanded with sections from the Suite in G major (and G minor respectively). It thereby follows a popular performance practice. The sequence of movements is not binding, but forms a coherent concept. The movement Alla Hornpipe has been shortened to allow for the simplest possible performance.

Dynamic markings have been used sparingly by the arranger. In many cases, gradations arise naturally from the instrumentation. The suggested performance indicated for the three repetitions of movements No. 5 and No. 8 should be understood as a recommendation.

The present arrangement can be performed by a string ensemble alone. The level of difficulty is clearly graded between the first three parts. The viola part is throughout also suitable for violins. The parts are extensively marked with bowings (the most important of which are also included in the score). These represent an alternative that has already proven itself in practice.

In addition, 6 ad lib. wind parts are provided, which can be scored differently depending on availability: two parts each in C (flutes, or flute and oboe) and B (clarinets, or clarinet and trumpet), one part in F or E flat (horn or alto saxophone), and one C bass part that follows the lower strings (bassoon or trombone).

Difficulty level: Easy
Duration: approx. 12 min.