Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Live at Hampton Court Palace

Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Live at Hampton Court Palace is a compelling fusion of music and history, brought to life by the virtuoso skills of progressive rock legend Rick Wakeman. Filmed in 2009, the concert film gives audiences an immersive look at the marriage of musical storytelling and historical drama, all set against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace – a location deeply interwoven with the narrative of King Henry VIII and his six wives.

Right from the off, Wakeman creates a captivating atmosphere with his masterful keyboard playing. Known for his distinctive style, he fluidly moves through various genres, including classical, rock, folk, and even a touch of jazz, in a stirring narrative arc that paints a vivid picture of the turbulent reign of the notorious English king. Each wife is represented by a unique suite of music, resulting in a symphony of sounds and moods that gains strength and depth as it unfolds.

Emerging from his thirty-six-year hiatus from Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Rick Wakeman reprises this highly applauded concept album – The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Wakeman first embarked on this historical journey in 1973. In the intervening years, he has gone from strength to strength, proving time and again his status as a pioneer in the progressive rock sphere.

Teaming with the English Rock Ensemble and accompanied by the Orchestra Europa and the English Chamber Choir, Wakeman brings an astonishing level of detail and complexity to his musical portraits of Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Parr, Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Howard, and Jane Seymour. The names of these unfortunate spouses serve as titles for six distinct part of the concert, each filled with evocative sounds and energy that serve to immortalise them in a way that other mediums simply cannot.

Beyond the music, the film is also visually engaging, providing cinematic views of the grand and majestic Hampton Court Palace. Directed by Robert Garofalo, the movie captures the enchanting beauty of the palace's Tudor and Baroque architecture, intersecting the music with striking visual cues to elicit a genuinely regal aesthetic. Combined with beguiling light displays and punctuated by occasional clips of 'living history' performances, audiences will find themselves transported back to the days of Henry VIII's court.

The concert's climax sees the inclusion of two new pieces, "Tudorture" and "Tudor Rock," that further add to the epic scope of Wakeman's work. Packed with blazing energy and musical prowess, these pieces create a bold ending to the concert film, cementing it as a unique spectacle and historical journey.

What is most remarkable about Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Live at Hampton Court Palace is not just the confluence of historical accuracy and musical brilliance but Wakeman's personal commitment to the project. His passion is palpable; it imbues every note, every chord with a sincerity that speaks not only to his musical talent but also his deep affection and respect for history.

In this fusion of music and history, Rick Wakeman emerges as a troubadour, gently guiding us through a tapestry of harmonies and powerful keyboarding that defy easy categorisation - a testament to Wakeman's unique genius. The film stands as a defining example of progressive-rock music and a fascinating historical narrative that continues to enchant new generations of music and history buffs alike.

Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Live at Hampton Court Palace is certainly not the typical concert film. It is a carefully crafted musical journey through one of history's most fascinating periods, with Wakeman at the helm, navigating us through the tumultuous waters of Tudor England. This is a must-watch for fans of Wakeman, progressive rock, or indeed, anyone with a passion for engaging with history through music.