We'd love to hear your performance of Handel's Hornpipe on the organ! Share a video or audio recording, or simply let us know how you're enjoying the piece. Your feedback and comments are welcome, and we hope this post inspires you to explore the world of Baroque music on the organ.
Simplified version for organists who prefer not to use the pedalboard. CC Watershed (Henri Durieux)
Strong 16' and 8' Principals to support the plenum. Avoid heavy, muddy reeds. Performance Tip: The Echo Effect
A more advanced "freely arranged" version that takes advantage of the "modern organ." This version includes specific registration suggestions (e.g., "Full Organ," "French Horn stops").
: A simplified "Hornpipe Recessional" arrangement by Henri Durieux specifically for organ manuals without pedals.
A Hornpipe is characterized by a dotted rhythm (long-short). However, in Handel’s time, these dots were often "over-dotted," meaning the long note is held slightly longer than written, and the short note is played very quickly. This gives the piece its "snap" and regal character.
Whether you're performing this on a pipe organ or a digital instrument, obtaining the right allows you to bring this festive 18th-century masterpiece to life.
Composers like Edwin H. Lemare and other virtuoso organists created elaborate arrangements of this piece. These PDFs are harder to find but transform the Hornpipe into a massive organ showcase.
The driving, dance-like rhythm works well on organ manuals, often requiring sharp articulation and energetic articulation.
Search for "Handel Hornpipe Organ" on their platform to find varying difficulties.
Once you have your PDF, here are some tips to bring out the best in this Baroque gem:
: The most authoritative source for public domain scores. Look for the organ arrangements by McKinley or Boniteau under the "Arrangements and Transcriptions" tab [22, 26, 29].
is a tale of royal rivalry, political maneuvering, and a composer trying to win back his boss's favor. The Royal Party on the Thames July 17, 1717