Handel's Water Music – Opus Arte DVD

UPC: 809478009306

Product Features:

• Title: Handel's Water Music: Recreating a Royal Spectacular
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Performer: The English Concert
• Director: Andrew Manze
• Narrator: Peter Ackroyd
• Format: DVD
• Region: All Regions
• Audio: LPCM Stereo
• Video: NTSC, 16:9 Anamorphic
• Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian
• Release Year: 2006

Overview

This captivating DVD offers a historical recreation of the 1717 premiere of George Frideric Handel's Water Music, one of the most celebrated baroque compositions. Filmed on the River Thames, Handel's Water Music is performed by The English Concert under the direction of Andrew Manze. The documentary, narrated by acclaimed London biographer Peter Ackroyd, takes viewers on an extraordinary journey, unveiling the background of the original performance, commissioned by King George I. The event is recreated in period costume, aboard a regal-style barge, providing a stunning juxtaposition of past and present as it sails along the Thames from Whitehall to Chelsea.

In addition to the main feature, the DVD includes a multi-angle performance that allows viewers to follow the river route as it would have appeared in 1717, set against the backdrop of Handel’s music. This unique visual experience adds to the immersion, offering a panoramic view exclusive to this DVD.

Interesting Facts

• The 1717 performance of Water Music was commissioned by King George I, and it was performed on a barge floating on the River Thames while the king and his court listened from another boat.
• The Water Music consists of three suites, with the F major and D major suites being among the most recognizable.
• Director Andrew Manze is known for his expertise in historically informed performances, particularly of baroque music.
• Peter Ackroyd, who narrates the documentary, is a well-known author and historian, providing rich historical context to the recreation.
• This is the second-ever live performance of Water Music on the Thames, offering a rare glimpse into the atmosphere and spectacle of the original event.

Extra Features

• Exclusive multi-angle performance: Follow the historic route of the 1717 event while listening to selections from Water Music.
• Panoramic view of the River Thames as it might have appeared in 1717, creating an immersive experience alongside Handel’s music.

Publishers

• Opus Arte
• BBC Worldwide

Hashtags

#HandelsWaterMusic #OpusArte #BBCClassicalMusic #AndrewManze #TheEnglishConcert #BaroqueMusic #Handel #RiverThamesPerformance #HistoricalMusic #WaterMusicDVD