Search - Handel's Water Music on DVD

Rip-off

Sam Brooks | Memphis, TN USA | 12/07/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Prospective buyers of this disk should be aware of what they will be getting (or not getting). In particular you will not be getting a performance of Handel's Water Music. The musical portion (listed as a bonus feature !!) consists of less than 20 minutes of actual performance, following a ponderous documentary narrated by a heavily lisping narrator (vwey iwwitating). Also the audio consists of DTS 5.1 and LPCM Stereo only. Those not set up for DTS will not get surround audio."

Excellent performance

Rider | Middleburg, VA | 07/26/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I was disappointed that they didn't perform the entire Water Music, the movements that are performed are played exceptionally well: excellent musicians and period-style performance, exceptional DTS surround sound, and very visually engaging (they took great pains to re-create every aspect of the original performance of the Water Music, including full period dress and a fully-outfitted 18th century style boat that they play on while floating down the river). Highly recommended. (I would have given this 5 stars if they played the entire Water Music, but I think they were limited on time due to this originally being a BBC broadcast program)."

EXTREMELY Good - Could Have Been Excellent

J. A. Retzer | Phoenix, AZ | 06/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Both previous reviewers make valid points. Given all the time effort (and presumably BBC funding) they put into the research and preparation, -to say nothing of the sheer historical ballyhoo they make about this being the first time in nearly 300 years Handel's Water Music has been performed as intended- it seems almost shocking that the complete performance was not presented on the DVD.

The previous reviewer pointed out that his started life as a BBC TV special, so it may have been originally pared down for a TV time slot, but given all the fuss made about the re-recreation it seems inconceivable that they didn't actually perform the full Water Music, so why not present it on the DVD? Even if only as one of the audio slideshow extras.

On the whole, however, what they do offer is Extremely well-done, entertaining and informative. This is an excellent production for use in a classroom or private study and highly recommended."