Handel's Water Music : Hornpipe (for viola or other solo instrument and piano)

George Frideric 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.

We have illustrated this arrangement using the version for Viola and Piano, though we also include other alternative parts to substitute for the Viola as the lead instrument. Since all the versions are almost the same (except for differences in pitch) the piano can play (using the score) the same part for all versions. The lead instrument can be either of: Viola, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Oboe, Alto Sax, Clarinet, Bassoon, or even a combination of these if you want. The audio files (for the Viola and Piano version) can be downloaded 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 Piano or Organ Solo.