A super transcription of the Allegro from Handel's Water Music arranged for 2 Bb Clarinets, 2 Eb Alto Clarinets & Concert Band.

’The Water Music’ is a collection of orchestral movements, often considered as three suites composed by George Frideric Handel. It premiered in the summer of 1717 when King George I requested a concert on the River Thames. The concert was performed by 50 musicians that joined King George I on his barge. King George I was said to have loved it so much that he ordered Handel to play the suites three times on the trip.

Keith Terrett has expertly arranged the ’Allegro’, a little known movement featuring a quartet of two Bb Clarinets, Two Eb Alto Clarinets and Concert Band. The work takes the form of a Trumpet Voluntary, in which the themes are repeated in echo fashion in the Alto Clarinets. The soloists can be placed at the front of the band, or antiphonally for the best effect. Performers should freely embellish their parts, as per the ’Da Capo’ aria. The Harpsichord part is optional, but if available, it will add an authentic Baroque touch to the arrangement.

The work would make an ideal item for inclusion during a ’theme’ concert, when your musicians can dress up in period costumes.