George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), “Musette,” from Concerto Grosso, op. 6, no. 6 

Handel was a German-born composer who studied in Italy and became famous in London as the court composer of King George I. Among other things, he was famous for introducing the Italianate style to the English public through his well-known operas and oratorios. This excerpt is drawn from the “Musette” movement of one of Handel’s many instrumental works. A musette is a dance-like piece in a pastoral style that recalls a bagpipe instrument that was also known as a musette. They were often characterized by simple harmony and a drone pitch.