Music for the Royal Fireworks

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The Fireworks Music (also known as Music for the Royal Fireworks) was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749 under contract of George II of Great Britain for the celebration fireworks occasion in London's Green Park on 27 April 1749. It was to celebrate the end of War of the Austrian Succession and the signing of Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

The performing musicians were all on boats in the River Thames, providing a background for the royal fireworks. However the display was not quite successful. The enormous wood building built for the display caught fire due to the fall of the bas relief of George II. But the music has performed beforehand. On 21 April 1749 there was a full rehearsal of the music at Vauxhall Garden. Over twelve thousand, each paying 2s 6d, rushed for it, causing a three-hour traffic jam of carriages over London Bridge.

The work is in five movements:

  1. Ouverture: Allegro wierd
  2. Bourrée
  3. La paix: Largo alla siciliana
  4. La réjouissance: Allegro
  5. Menuet I/II
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