George Frideric Handel : Hornpipe from The Water Music (arranged for piano)

Handel's Water Music consists of 22 pieces divided into 3 suites which Handel wrote for King George I for a Royal Concert on the River Thames, and the Water Music has been played at many other Royal occasions since then. This particular piece is one of the most famous, and is one of two Hornpipes in the Water Music. It is the 12th movement overall and included in the 2nd Suite in D major. The Hornpipe is joyous in nature with some sections sounding like fanfares, so it is well suited for happy celebratory occasions such as sporting events, shows, weddings and other church services. This Hornpipe is also a good example of the use of syncopation by a Baroque composer.

This version has been arranged for piano, and it can also be performed on an organ for weddings and church services. Most of the notes should be played detached (or even a light staccato in places), except the quavers or where indicated by slurs. We have not included the optional repeats in the audio versions. You can download this piece as PDF Sheet Music, and as music files in MIDI or MP3 formats. Please note that we have not included the optional repeats in the audio versions. This piece is also available on mfiles in the original Orchestral Version including the score and all instrumental parts, and also as an arrangement for Lead Instrument and Piano with many options for the lead instrument.