What differences would you expect to find in a traditional performance of Handels Water Music compared to a more modern interpretation?[20 marks]

The period instruments that would have originally played Handels water music were very different to the modern equivalents. The trumpets and horns didnt have any holes/valves/keys and could only play the harmonic series. They were also shaped slightly differently in baroque times so they would have a slightly different timbre. For example, the period brass instruments, especially the French horn, had a smaller bore which made them sound harsher whereas a modern horn has a mellower sound to it. Also, period oboes sound a lot warmer than modern oboes because the bore is wider which makes it sound less harsh on period oboes.

In a more modern interpretation of Water Music, you may find that a harpsichord is used with the cello to add to the basso continuo sound and to fill in the harmony. Also, you may find that percussion like timpani are used in a modern performance at the start of the Allegro for example because this is like a fanfare and timpani would grab the attention of the listeners very well. You may find that because modern oboes have keys, they are able to play the complex melodies that the violins play in the Alla Hornpipe for example. They may be able to double the violin part for added volume.

You may not find that a modern performance will have as many instruments as modern instruments are louder and it may not be performed outdoors very much. The size of Handels orchestra at the time was very large as it had to be performed on a river cruise outdoors down the river Thames. He had to have many musicians to fill out the sound and make sure the sound carries. A modern performance has the availability to use instrument microphones which would amplify the sound even at the very quiet sections like the cadenza at the end of the Allegro.

Having less instruments may make the texture slightly sparser, although all the parts would be filled, not having as many people on that part may have an impact on the texture in some places. For example, when the Alla Hornpipe modulates the brass drop out and if there are fewer players on the string parts, it may seem like the dense texture that would have been heard at the time of the first performance is lost.