Keyboard fireworks

As early as 1743, while Handel was still alive, Francesco Geminiani produced an arrangement of the “Water Music” for keyboard instruments, thereby making it possible to perform this popular work in domestic surroundings. Then, presumably in 1749, an unknown musician arranged the “Music for the Royal Fireworks” for transverse flute or violin and harpsichord.

In addition to these two contemporary versions, this edition also contains an arrangement by the editor for harpsichord or organ, based on the first edition. Though both early sources explicitly mention a harpsichord, the arrangements can also be performed effectively note-for-note on the organ.

As the surviving anonymous version merely places a solo part and a figured bass on a two-stave system, Bärenreiter's edition is accompanied by performance material with one part each for transverse flute/oboe/violin and violoncello/double bass, plus a figured bass realisation.

• Musical text with arrangements by two Handel contemporaries as well as the editor’s own arrangement for harpsichord or organ
• All editorial additions are clearly marked
• Equally effective when performed note-for-note on the organ