Handel composed this music for King George I of England. Its premier performance was an occasion of a "splendid excursion on the Thames" in the summer of 1715. Our arrangement for three guitars is distilled from the original orchestration that included horns, oboe, bassoons, and a full contingent of string instruments.

The original key of D major has been preserved and has a wonderful sonority when played by three guitars.

For ensemble playing, it is best that everyone play from the full score. Since the music is to be played through three times, once the guitarists are familiar with their parts, they may wish to consider exchanging parts during the performance, thereby creating much additional variety and interest.