Water Music Suite by G F Handel Celebrated 17.7.17

​I am sure Georg Frederic Handel would have been very proud of our celebration on the river on 17th July 2017, of the 300 year anniversary, to the day and time, of the first performance of Handel’s ‘Water Music Suite’ composed especially for King George I.
​
The weather was glorious, not tormentingly hot, a perfect summer's of evening sunshine with a cooling  breeze off the river.

The Amadè Players (c) J Calvert

​As soon we left the pier, our orchestra, The Amadè Players began the performance playing a collection of movements split into three Suites, music composed to mimic the journey along the Thames, on instruments of the period. The orchestra on deck a sight to behold, the sound oft blown away slightly in the breeze, to return with startling clarity, creating an authentic musical trip.
​
We were also heading in the opposite direction, to Greenwich not Chelsea, due to the high tide. As we wanted to take the journey on the 17.7.17, to the day, and time, we had little choice in the matter!

 “I particularly enjoyed the final musical sequence, as I was standing behind the principal trumpet and able to listen really close up to his superb playing.
These original brass instruments must be fiendish to play, and he made light of it.” Jeffrey C Guest 

Greenwich (c) J Calvert

​At 8pm the most iconic movements held forth all their glory to the backdrop of the elegant façade of Greenwich Naval College rather than the banks of Chelsea Village, where George I had stepped off to have supper.  The King so enjoyed the music upriver that he insisted the musicians wait in the barge, provided by the City of London, so he could hear the music all over again on his return to Whitehall.

(c) Paul Davey

​The Golden Jubilee is a boat of good size and our 150 passengers had ample space to circulate, although most kept company with the orchestra on the outside deck, until sound issues moved all indoors to hear the second half, after supper. The food was excellent, as Georgian as it could be catering to various diets, pies and English cheeses the order of the day. The bar staff were excellent, providing libations to a demanding and thirsty company.

Miss B with Guests (c) Paul Davey

​Not all went smoothly! It would seem many of our guests unused to this type of trip on the Thames, were somewhat put out as had expected an abundance of seating, something we wished we could have provided, but alas the Health & Safety regulations of the 21st century do not offer much comfort and can spoil many a good plan. A surprise, unexpected display of disco lights created a bit of stir, seemingly activated by certain pitches in the music! No, there was no sudden unseemly disco dancing in  panniers and wigs! 

(c) Paul Davey

​The gathering was well costumed and bewigged and looked every inch the part of a royal progress. I felt the gentleman out did the ladies in their gorgeous attire. Many, without their own personal Georgian wardrobe, were outfitted by Mad World Costumes and we were delighted by the colourful turn out.

(c) Paul Davey

​An excellent collaboration between London Historians, Georgian Dining Academy and Handel House, an event that was created with great energy and support from its early meetings to the grand finale. 

We also offer special thanks to Kirsten Morrison and Peter Shipman, who entertained the long supper queue with period songs, a Capella plus a banjo masquerading as a mandolin. Truly magnificent performers and adored by all.

​See slideshow of our great WW300 Team.

​We hope to welcome everyone who joined us and more next year when we plan to do it all over again, this time heading for Chelsea and Vauxhall 'Pleasure Gardens'.  A full orchestra, full programme and a full house (boat)!

​A gracious THANK YOU to all who attended and supported us with this event.

​For information
Photographs by Paul Davey available to purchase here:
http://pauldaveycreative.photoshelter.com/gallery/2017-07-17-Handels-Water-Music-celebrates-300th-anniversary-on-River-Thames-London/G0000yHu6gEhUn5Y/

www.londonhistorians.org/  Why not join up?

​http://www.handelhendrix.org Go visit the Museum and/or enjoy a concert!

www.amadeplayers.com   Go hear them in concert!

www.operasongbird.co.uk Highly recommended!

https://madworldfancydress.com/ Charing X Branch 20% discount for GDA Events

Programme Illustrations by Miss Kitty Pridden / Layout M Paterson Esq (c) Paul Davey