A fireworks display followed the April 27, 1749, premiere of a work by this man that had been commissioned by George II

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Today’s Final Jeopardy Category is: Composers

Today’s Final Jeopardy

A fireworks display followed the April 27, 1749, premiere of a work by this man that had been commissioned by George II

Final Jeopardy Answer

The Final Jeopardy Answer is: George Frideric Handel

Final Jeopardy Explanation

George Frideric Handel was the man responsible for the work premiered on April 27, 1749 that was accompanied by a fireworks display. The composition, known as “Music for the Royal Fireworks” was commissioned by King George II of Great Britain. The work was originally intended to accompany a fireworks display in London’s Green Park and was part of the grand celebrations marking the end of the War of the Austrian Succession and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

The work is scored for a large wind band ensemble, reflecting the grandeur and scale of the event for which it was created. The music is majestic with movements that include titles like “La Réjouissance” and “Hallelujah.” Though originally for winds and percussion, Handel later arranged the piece for full orchestra, and it is often heard in this form today.

The premiere was a highly anticipated social event, drawing a large crowd that caused a three-hour traffic jam with carriages on London Bridge. The actual fireworks display was not as successful as Handel’s music; a wooden building caught fire during the event. Despite this hiccup, the music itself was deemed a great success and added to Handel’s already high reputation.