Did anyone watch this programme shown (or maybe re-shown) yesterday?
Lucie Worsley's presentation avoided the worst of BBC silliness and gave, I thought, a considered and informed account of the importance of music in the life of Victoria and Albert. It also showed what an influence they had on the musical life of Britain. I personally did not know, for instance, that Victoria had had a private 'command' performance of Lohengrin at Windsor in later life.
Wagner’s Lohengrin was her choice for a command performance at Windsor in 1899, just 18 months before she died. Listening to its almost unbearably bittersweet prelude of strings, you can’t help but suspect her choice gives an insight into the lonely heart of an elderly queen who was also very human.
Mrs A. and I really enjoyed the programme.
A Times review here:
Lucie Worsley's presentation avoided the worst of BBC silliness and gave, I thought, a considered and informed account of the importance of music in the life of Victoria and Albert. It also showed what an influence they had on the musical life of Britain. I personally did not know, for instance, that Victoria had had a private 'command' performance of Lohengrin at Windsor in later life.
Wagner’s Lohengrin was her choice for a command performance at Windsor in 1899, just 18 months before she died. Listening to its almost unbearably bittersweet prelude of strings, you can’t help but suspect her choice gives an insight into the lonely heart of an elderly queen who was also very human.
Mrs A. and I really enjoyed the programme.
A Times review here:
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