This suite of six pieces for small orchestra was written in 1749 for the anniversary celebrations of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle that had ended the war of Austrian succession the previous year. The party was held in April in Hyde Park, London, and with Händel being the big name that he was, the crowds at the party formed jams over London Bridge for three hours.

The rehearsals were just as big - as many as twelve thousand people attended the rehearsals held at Vauxhall Gardens, a week before the real thing.

The first version was for wind instruments only, but Händel added strings to the music heard at the main event. The music starts with a French overture and is followed by pieces suggesting Peace (No. 3) and Rejoicing (No. 4). It was a success - musical fireworks, as one could say.

The real fireworks, however, did not work out as planned. It seems that a stray rocket managed to set a wooden pavilion alight, causing general panic and a scandal - but, quite fortunately, no loss of life.

Recommended recording:
Handel - Fireworks Music: This brilliant recording by Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert is in the original 1749 scoring. What a sound!

Listen to the bright celebration of “La Réjouissance” (No. 4), the most famous part of the work.