What is the story of the Royal Fireworks music?

What is the story of the Royal Fireworks music?

The music celebrates the end of the War of the Austrian Succession and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen) in 1748. The work was very popular when first performed and following Handel’s death. Mozart called the work a “spectacle of English pride and joy”.

Why did Handel write music for the Royal Fireworks?

Music for the Royal Fireworks is a group of five pieces for orchestra composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749. He was asked by King George II to write the music because the king wanted some music and fireworks to celebrate the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. This was just for the music, there were no fireworks.

Who wrote music for the Royal Fireworks?

George Frideric Handel
Music for the Royal Fireworks/Composers

Music for the Royal Fireworks, orchestral suite in five movements by George Frideric Handel that premiered in London on April 27, 1749. The work was composed for performance at an outdoor festival celebrating the end of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48). Its first performance preceded a fireworks display.

When did Handel write Royal fireworks?

1749
Music for the Royal Fireworks/Composed
Handel composed this music in 1749 and it was first performed on April 14 of that year in Green Park, London. The composer conducted the first indoor performance on May 27 in the new chapel of Thomas Coram’s Foundling Hospital in London.

What meter is Royal Fireworks Music?

12/8 meter
There follow two movements with titles appropriate to the occasion. “La Paix” (Peace) takes the form of a slow siciliana, which rocks gently and gracefully along its 12/8 meter, while “La Réjouissance” (Rejoicing) returns to the manner of the opening Ouverture with racing fanfare-figures for brass and timpani.

How long is Music for the Royal Fireworks?

around 18 minutes
Music for the Royal Fireworks, a suite of around 18 minutes, remains one of Handel’s most famous and popular works. The suite is characterized by the combination of its solemn/military character with dance and melodic beauty, its spirited rhythms, and opulent instruments.

Who is known as one of the best composers for the piano of all time?

Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) A rediscovery of his work in the early 19th century led to the so-called Bach revival, in which he came to be seen as one of the greatest composers of all time.

How is an oratorio different from a cantata?

Both cantatas and oratorios are sung musical performances from the Baroque era that feature recitative — spoken song — arias, choruses and duets. They have no staging, sets, costumes or action — in that way, both forms differ from opera, which provides a more fully realized story and theatrical presentation.

What is the genre of music for the Royal Fireworks?

Baroque dance suite
The music itself, taking the form of a Baroque dance suite in six movements, had been well received. Handel cannily re-scored it for a later indoor performance, incorporating strings into the orchestra (the King had insisted that he write the suite for percussion, brass and winds only).

Who composed Tamerlano?

Tamerlano/Composers

What meter is Royal Fireworks music?

What genre is Music for the Royal Fireworks?

The music itself, taking the form of a Baroque dance suite in six movements, had been well received. Handel cannily re-scored it for a later indoor performance, incorporating strings into the orchestra (the King had insisted that he write the suite for percussion, brass and winds only).

Why did Handel write music for Royal Fireworks?

The Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle was signed to mark the ending of the War of the Austrian succession and the piece was composed to accompany the royal celebrations. A favourite among the royals, Handel, who had written the wonderful Coronation Anthems for George II and the Water Music for his father, George I, was commissioned to provide the music.

Who was the composer of the Royal Fireworks?

Handel composed his Music for the Royal Fireworks while working for George II in 1749.

What kind of orchestra did Handel use to play ad libitum?

It was scored for a large wind band ensemble consisting of 24 oboes, 12 bassoons and a contrabassoon, nine natural trumpets, nine natural horns, three pairs of kettledrums, and side drums which were given only the direction to play ad libitum; no side drum parts were written by Handel.

What kind of music did George Frideric Handel write?

The music itself, taking the form of a Baroque dance suite in six movements, had been well received. Handel cannily re-scored it for a later indoor performance, incorporating strings into the orchestra (the King had insisted that he write the suite for percussion, brass and winds only).