Finnish Baroque Orchestra
Kreeta-Maria Kentala, violin

Händel, Niittykoski

FiBO’s concert is a true celebration of ornamental Baroque orchestration! Georg Friedrich Händel’s Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are iconic pieces for a Baroque orchestra. They are a combination of lightness, playful wind instruments and charming motifs. Händel’s Water Music has been one of the favourites in the Baroque repertoire for ages. It was already a blockbuster when released, with different versions performed in the theatres and music halls in London. The program also includes compositions by Viljami Niittykoski (1895–1985), a composer and violinist from Kaustinen.

Both Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are inspired by the French way of living. They are perfect to be performed in open-air venues. Water music series was created to accompany a royal boat trip on the River Thames in the summer of 1717, while Music for the Royal Fireworks was part of a major park festival in 1749 celebrating the Aachen Peace Treaty. The themes of war and peace echo in the Music for the Royal Fireworks, while Water Music gets a breath of fresh air from the raucous dance numbers and the trumpeting of French horns.

For Water music, an orchestra of no less than 50 people was crammed into a boat floating alongside the king’s boat on the river. King George I was delighted with Händel’s work, and played series over and over again during the boat trip accompanied by a fancy dinner. The music glid across the water, and the river was crowded by boats full of audience wanting to get their share of the adorable music.

The concert is a part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the City of Espoo.

Program

Georg Friedrich Händel (1685–1759):
Water Music
Music for the Royal Fireworks

Viljami Niittykoski (1895–1985):
Kesän muisto
Kaustistlainen marssi
Tunnelmasta toiseen
Vauhdin hurmaa