Telemann – Overture in C major (from Hamburger Ebb’ und Fluth) (1723)

Georg Philipp Telemann’s “Hamburger Ebb’ und Fluth” (Hamburg Ebb and Flood), also known as Wassermusik (Water Music) TWV 55:C3, is a popular 1723 Baroque orchestral suite.

Commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the Hamburg Admiralty, this 10-movement work features nautical-themed movement titles, such as “The Sleeping Thetis” and “The Merry Mariners”.

Key Details of Hamburger Ebb’ und Fluth (TWV 55:C3):

• Context: Composed to celebrate the 1723 centenary of the Hamburg Admiralty, a powerful maritime organization.
• Theme: The suite celebrates the city’s connection to the river Elbe and sea, using mythological figures (Neptune, Thetis, Aeolus) to represent water and wind.
• Structure: It consists of an overture followed by several dance movements.
  • I. Overture: Grave – Allegro
  • II. Sarabande: The Sleeping Thetis
  • III. Bourrée: Thetis Awakening
  • IV. Loure: Neptune in Love
  • V. Gavotte: Nymphs at Play
  • VI. Harlequinade: The Jovial Triton
  • VII. Der stürmende Aeolus: The Turbulent Aeolus
  • VIII. Menuet: The Amiable Zephyr
  • IX. Gigue: Ebb and Flow
  • X. Canarie: The Merry Mariners
• Significance: It became one of the most performed secular works of Telemann’s lifetime.