Rigaudon is a new commission from Howard Goodall, part of a suite of music composed by a group of the UK's leading composers, and is a 21st century tribute to Handel's Water Music.  The entire suite, featuring pieces by Stephen Warbeck, Adrian Johnston, Graham Fitkin, Debbie Wiseman and others, will be heard from the musical barge. The Georgian, which will accompany the spectacular Diamond Jubilee pageant as it journeys down the Thames on 3 June 2012.

Each piece is named after and inspired by a movement from one of Handel's three Water Music Suites, which were commissioned by King George I for a concert on the Thames which he listened to from the Royal Barge in the summer of 1717.  A Rigaudon, a lively and popular eighteenth century dance style, has inspired Goodall's thoroughly joyous, tuneful piece which he has scored for a chamber ensemble of 18 players.

All the works have been recorded and are available on a Silva Classics release entitled "New Water Music."