Virtuosi Italiani Perform Handel’s Water Music on Isola del Garda

The most awaited event is the one that – weather permitting – will take place on Isola del Garda, property of the Cavazza counts, usually closed to the public. At 9:30 PM, the instrumental ensemble of the Virtuosi Italiani will perform the two most famous orchestral suites by Händel: “Water Music” and “Music for the Royal Fireworks.”

After the concert, there will be a buffet accompanied by a fireworks show over the lake. For this extraordinary evening, included in the program of the “Garda Music Summer,” all tickets have already been sold out.

Historical Origin of the Compositions

The “Water Music” was premiered in the summer of 1717 during an original party on the Thames. Thirty years later, “Music for the Royal Fireworks” also had a grand occasion to celebrate the Peace of Aachen.

Lingered echoes of these social events can be found in contemporary chronicles. The Daily Courant wrote that at sunset on July 17, 1717, King George I of England disembarked at Whitehall on the Thames to board a barge.

The navigation continued slowly towards Chelsea: dozens of boats passed along the river, carrying the finest names of London aristocracy. Händel had hired more than fifty instrumentalists to perform “on the water” a long series of joyful and dance-like pieces.

Success and Collaborations of the Virtuosi Italiani

The concert was so enjoyed by the king that the “Water Music” was performed three times during the trip there and back. Active internationally for several years, the Virtuosi Italiani span from baroque music to collaborations with contemporary artists (Chick Corea, Bregovic, Battiato, and Nyman).