The Birth of British Music

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[edit] General Information

Arts Documentary hosted by Charles Hazlewood, published by BBC in 2009 - English narration

[edit] Cover

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Series in which conductor Charles Hazlewood explores the lives, times and music of great composers.

[edit] Purcell - The Londoner

The first programme celebrates the music of Henry Purcell, one of the most seminal but mysterious figures of British musical history. Charles investigates a wide range of Purcell's music, from his tavern songs to his sacred music and pioneering stage works. Music is performed by Charles Hazlewood's own ensemble, Army of Generals, as well as Sir John Tomlinson and the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

[edit] Handel - The Conquering Hero

The second of four programmes focuses on Handel, who made his home in Britain and became a celebrity and national icon in the process. In an unusual take on John Gay's 'The Beggar's Opera', Charles invites comedian Phill Jupitus to take a new approach to the music along with acclaimed folk singers Rachel and Becky Unthank, guitarist Adrian Utley from Portishead, and jazz drummer Martin France.

[edit] Haydn - The Celebrity

In this episode, Charles looks at the fascinating two-way relationship the great composer Haydn had with Britain. Haydn was an astute businessman, so it was no coincidence that he chose London as the place to make his personal fortune, taking advantage of the increasing demand for subscription concerts and the lucrative domestic market.

[edit] Mendelssohn - The Prophet

In the final programme, he looks at Mendelssohn, whose music embodies the sound of the Victorian age. Mendelssohn's overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream captured the Victorians' fondness for fairy stories, and he pioneered the use of a new conductor's tool - the baton. Charles's journey includes a trip to Birmingham Town Hall, where a massed choir performs extracts from Mendelssohn's iconic work Elijah.