The orchestral suite known as Handel's Water Music was first performed at a lavish riverboat banquet for George I in 1717. While the music served as pure entertainment, the event itself was a cunning PR stunt to overshadow the extravagant parties given by the king's son, the scheming Prince of Wales. Historical reconstruction, documentary and performance combine in a one-off re-enactment of this concert on the Thames, with excerpts played on period instruments by the English Concert under violinist Andrew Manze 's direction. Presented by Peter Ackroyd.
Directors Trevor Hampton and Fergus O'Brien ; Producer Suzy Klein Peter Ackroyd presents London: The Crowd on Friday at 9pm on BBC2 Notes on the water: page 17