Handel (1685 - 1759) WATER MUSIC
Recreating a Royal Spectacular

Filmed on the River Thames with the English Concert Directed by Andrew Manze

The renowned London biographer Peter Ackroyd narrates the ambitious attempt of a team of historical experts to discover the remarkable story behind the 1717 premiere of Handel�s Water Music on the Thames. The result is the second-ever performance on the river, filmed in costume on a regal-style period barge against the backdrop of the present-day Thames from Whitehall to Chelsea. Includes performances by The English Concert of favourite movements from the F major and D major Suites.

Running Time: 78 mins
Region Code: All regions
Picture Format: 16:9 Anamorphic
Sound Format: DTS Surround / LPCM Stereo
Menu Languages: EN
Subtitles: FR/DE/ES/IT
Dimensions (mm): W135 H190 D15

Cat. No: OA 0930 D

PLUS

MULTI-ANGLE FEATURE The 1717 London Panorama by artist Stephen Conlin Follow the river route as it would have looked in 1717 while listening to the music, in a special multi-angle performance version featuring an historic-style panoramic view, illustrated by Stephen Conlin and exclusive to this DVD. The panorama seeks to combine the available information to evoke that evening on the Thames; landmarks that differ from today include Westminster Abbey without the famous west towers, St John�s, Smith Square as yet unfinished, and the complete absence of both Big Ben and Westminster Bridge. By contrast, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea is much as Wren left it, and instantly recognisable.

SALES POINTS

• Advertised in Gramophone, Classic fM, BBC Music Magazine
• New production, filmed in various locations in the UK and Venice, Italy during June - August 2003
• DTS Surround Sound
• Includes period instrument performances by Andrew Manze and the English Concert of some of Handel’s most famous and best-loved music