Classical Music Playlist, July 17, 2026
George Frideric Handel (arm extended) with King George I during the trip down the River Thames in 1717. Painting by Edouard Hamman (1819–88).
George Frideric Handel composed music to keep the King of England entertained on his boat trip down the River Thames on July 17, 1717. We now call that music Handel’s “Water Music” and the entire 48 minutes of it is today’s Midday Masterpiece on this, the 309th anniversary of that original performance.
