The Copy Book

The Story of Handel’s ‘Water Music’

Handel’s German boss fired the composer for spending all his time in London. When they met again, it was... rather awkward.

1717

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The Story of Handel’s ‘Water Music’

© Martin Creek, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0. Source
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Water music... fountains at play in the Alnwick Gardens, near Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

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© Martin Creek, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Water music... fountains at play in the Alnwick Gardens, near Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

Introduction

George Frideric Handel was employed to write music for the court of George, Elector of Hanover in Germany. He preferred, however, to live in London and write music for Queen Anne.

IN 1712 George Frideric Handel, court composer to George, Elector of Hanover in Germany, visited London, with his employer’s warning that he expected him back ‘within a reasonable time’ ringing in his ears.

But Handel did not go back within a reasonable time. He remained in the capital, cheerfully writing matchless music for the court of Queen Anne. Prince George fired him.

If Handel thought he had got the better part of the bargain, he was forced to reconsider when, in 1714, Queen Anne died and was succeeded on the throne of Great Britain by none other than her second cousin George, Elector of Hanover.

Fortunately, a tactful friend secured a commission for Handel to write music for a royal water party on the Thames on the 17th of July, 1717.

It was a tremendous success, and not long after Handel was reemployed by the King, and retained as music master to their daughters by Queen Caroline.

Related Video

The Alla Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 2 in D Major, on period instruments. Played by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, directed by Ton Koopman.

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Word Games

Spinners Find in Think and Speak

For each group of words, compose a sentence that uses all three. You can use any form of the word: for example, cat → cats, go → went, or quick → quickly, though neigh → neighbour is stretching it a bit.

This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.

1 Die. None. Within.

2 Capital. Force. Match.

3 Cheer. Than. Write.

Variations: 1. include direct and indirect speech 2. include one or more of these words: although, because, despite, either/or, if, unless, until, when, whether, which, who 3. use negatives (not, isn’t, neither/nor, never, nobody etc.)

Verb and Noun Find in Think and Speak

Many words can serve as noun or verb depending on context: see if you can prove this with the examples below. Nouns go well with words such as the/a, or his/her; verbs go well after I/you/he etc..

This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.

1 Cheer. 2 Time. 3 Visit. 4 Back. 5 Ring. 6 Court. 7 Fire. 8 Force. 9 Match.

Variations: 1.if possible, use your noun in the plural, e.g. cat → cats. 2.use your verb in a past form, e.g. go → went. 3.use your noun in a sentence with one of these words: any, enough, fewer, less, no, some.

Confusables Find in Think and Speak

In each group below, you will find words that are similar to one another, but not exactly the same. Compose your own sentences to bring out the similarities and differences between them, whether in meaning, grammar or use.

This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.

1. Ally. Friend. 2. Anticipate. Expect. 3. Fortuitous. Fortunate. 4. Irrigate. Water. 5. Master. Teacher. 6. Stay. Remain. 7. Succeed. Supersede. 8. Successors. Successes. 9. Throne. Crown.

High Tiles Find in Think and Speak

Make words (three letters or more) from the seven letters showing below, using any letter once only. Each letter carries a score. What is the highest-scoring word you can make?

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