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0:00:39 > 0:00:42- We turn this time - to one of Europe's major rivers.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- The boat takes us through - some delightful scenery...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- ..as we sail on to the next port.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- Rudesheim is a city - in the valley of the River Rhine.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- As we approach the port, - the views are quite stunning.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- This trip will be something special.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- Rudesheim is renowned for its wine.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- The Drosselgasse - is full of wine bars and shops.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- With plenty going on, - you eat and drink well.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- Cable cars, historic sites...
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- ..wonderful shops, monuments...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- ..and excellent museums abound.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Johannes Brahms holidayed here - many times.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- This path is named after him.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- After Rudesheim comes another - section of the Rhine valley.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- It is historic and beautiful.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- All along the river - are castles or forts.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- They were once - important defensive sites.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- Building them on the steep slopes - was quite a challenge.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- This area, the Rheingau, - is a famous wine region.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- It is as historic - as Burgundy or Champagne.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Certain white wines are familiar.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Well, they are to me, - especially the Rieslings.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- A ferry sails through the valley - every day.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- You can stop to see the castles - and, of course, to taste the wine.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- This stretch of the Rhine - has many musical connections.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The Rhinemaidens feature - in two operas in Wagner's Ring.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- Jacques Offenbach's opera Rheinnixen - was about Rhine fairies.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- It's easy to see how this land...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..inspired so many artists - and composers.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- Robert Schumann wrote - a whole symphony praising it...
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- ..after he had a pleasant holiday - here with his wife Clara in 1850.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- It was his Rhenish Symphony.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- The second movement - reflects the river's flow.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- Schumann's initial title - was Morning On The Rhine.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Let's spend a while - enjoying the enchanting views...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- ..and the music inspired by them.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51- This incredible 65-kilometre stretch - of river is a World Heritage Site.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- What a great view of the Rhine.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- There are castles everywhere - along the river.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- It winds through a narrow gorge - with stunning views.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- This inspired Wagner's castle - in the opera Gotterdammerung.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- The area abounds in legends, - and has many historic links.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- The Lorelei rock - is at the Rhine's narrowest point.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- Careful navigation is crucial.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- According to the legend...
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- ..a beautiful girl - combed her hair here as she sang.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- She lured passing sailors - to their death.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- By now, some castles - have been demolished or restored.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Marksburg - is a rare original example.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- It gives a realistic feel - of life in the Middle Ages.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- I'm in Marksburg Castle, - built in the 12th century.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- It's an unrivalled landmark - in these parts.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- It's a fair climb up here.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- It's a real step back into the past.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- It's such a well-preserved place.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- You can imagine being here - at a medieval banquet.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- There's no finer example - of a medieval castle than this one.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- It has a long history - of noblemen and women...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..of war and peace, - and of politics and religion.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- These 15th century walls - are intriguing.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- They were built by a warrior, - aptly named John the Belligerent.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- Bonn and Cologne lie ahead.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- They are prominent places - in the world of classical music.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- These are truly classical journeys.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- The music, the composers - and our destinations.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- One such place is Bonn, - where Beethoven was born.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- The city's beauty left its mark - on much of his early life and music.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- It's a very important destination - among my classical journeys.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Like Cologne, Bonn's roots - date back to Roman times.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- It was a military base.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- It was the 16th century seat - of the Archbishopric of Cologne.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- It's still an administrative centre.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- This is St Martin's Cathedral.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Architecturally significant - is the contrast...
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- ..between the Romanesque - and the Gothic.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- The cathedral was completed...
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- ..just as the foundation stone - was laid at Cologne Cathedral.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- A mix of periods and styles - is found here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- The cathedral was badly damaged - more than once during WW2.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- Beethoven's father and grandfather - worked for the Elector of Cologne.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Both were court musicians.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- His father taught the piano.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- Violin teaching - was an extra source of income.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- In common with Mozart, - Beethoven was a child prodigy.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- His father recognized his ability.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- He wished to nurture this talent.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Young Ludwig had to practise - until he was almost in tears.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- However, by the age of seven, - Ludwig was giving concerts.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Formal training as a composer - and accompanist followed.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- At 17, he went to Vienna, - hoping to study under Mozart.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- We don't know if the two ever met.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Beethoven had to come home urgently.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- His mother was ill and sadly died.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Before long, he too - joined the court orchestra.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- He became a firm favourite - with the Elector.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- It was he who arranged his move - to Vienna at the century's end.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Here, Haydn and Beethoven - met for the first time.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Haydn became his tutor.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- After Mozart's death...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..Ludwig van Beethoven - was expected to succeed him.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Beethoven was born - in this house in 1770.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Who could have foreseen his - composition of such great music?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Nine symphonies, concertos - for piano and violin...
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- ..and much more.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- It's very different - to Mozart's birthplace.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- The throngs of tourists are absent.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- It feels more respectful.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- The family lived at the rear - of the house, by this quiet garden.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Beethoven was born - in this very room.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Nobody is allowed to enter it. - It's an empty space.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- The life of one of classical - music's greats began here.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- His parents had him christened - at this nearby church.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- He lived here until he was 22.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- He never returned to Bonn...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..but he is revered - just as Mozart is in Salzburg.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- The museum here - is heaven to Beethoven fans.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- There is so much to see here.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- This is important, - his last pianoforte.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- He composed superb works - on this particular piano.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- In the Munsterplatz is a statue - of Beethoven the eminent musician.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- It commemorates his birth in 1770.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- He died at the age of 57.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- He was another great composer - who died relatively young.
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0:11:38 > 0:11:38- Subtitles
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- The next port of call - on my classical journey is Cologne.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- We can't miss the dual spires - of Cologne Cathedral.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- When Robert Schumann visited...
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- ..he was inspired - to compose his third symphony.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- Cologne Cathedral was the stimulus - for the fourth movement.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- The cathedral was unfinished - when Schumann was here...
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- ..but it's another example - of a place influencing a composer.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- His Rhenish Symphony has been linked - with Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33- Beethoven's finale was a tempest. - Schumann's was Cologne Cathedral.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- The exhilarating music - befits this marvellous place.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- Miraculously, although Cologne - was bombed repeatedly during WW2...
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- ..Cologne Cathedral - suffered no permanent damage.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Perhaps, as a reference point - for the bombers, it was left alone.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Or maybe someone - from on high intervened.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- It's hard to convey its sheer size.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Everything around it seems so small.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07- This elegant Gothic church - is the largest in northern Europe.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- Building work started in 1248, - and wasn't completed...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..until 600 years later.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Cologne Philharmonic Hall - is behind the cathedral.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- It seats 2,000 people.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- It's the focal point - for classical music.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- There are some lovely views - between Cologne and Amsterdam.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- It's a different landscape.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- As we cross into Holland, - the countryside is transformed.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- We see the flat lands - which typify this part of the world.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- One can't but notice - Dutch order and discipline...
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- ..as we sail along the river.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- It's very exciting - to sail into Amsterdam.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- It's a river city, - famed for its canals.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- The harbour - is all hustle and bustle.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- It's Holland's second-largest port.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- Pioneers and merchants - have sailed from here for centuries.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Here we are arriving in Amsterdam.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Our journey through central Europe - nears its end.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- But let's see the city of canals.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- It has also been called - the Venice of the North.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- It was originally - a small fishing village.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- The dam built on the River Amstel - gave it its name.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- It's now one of the world's - most important and busiest ports.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Water is its lifeblood.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- The famous canal system - dates from the mid-17th century.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- It facilitated transportation.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- There are 100 kilometres - of canals in Amsterdam.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- There are 1,500 bridges - connecting 90 islands.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- As in Venice, many buildings - have wooden posts as foundations.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- The three main canals - form a circle around the city.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- This is the Grachtengordl.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Amsterdam's circle of canals - is now on the World Heritage list.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Cycling looks like hard work to me.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Touring the city via the canals - is more relaxing.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- If it's romance you're after...
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- ..an evening cruise - is just the ticket!
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- This little Amsterdam square...
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- ..is called Bagijnhof - and dates from the 14th century.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- Religious lay sisters - lived in these almshouses.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- They worked at the convent, - part of the English Reformed Church.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Retired people live here today.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- It's a quiet place - within a busy city.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- The church is one - of the city's oldest buildings.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- Interestingly, it's linked - to the Church of Scotland.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- It's also known - as the Scots Kirk of Amsterdam.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Services in English are held here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Holland was a sanctuary - for Protestants.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- Chamber music is popular now. - 70 concerts are held annually.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- As it's off the beaten track, - it's a perfect concert venue.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- The Church of Scotland - has a pleasant neighbour.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- This is a beautiful Gothic church, - dating back to 1671.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- It's a quiet retreat for reflection - and prayer in central Amsterdam.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- Only a short hop from the city - lies this lovely village.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- It's a tour of Dutch history.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- It's an agreeable day out.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- We couldn't come to Holland - without visiting a windmill.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- They look pretty, - but they were working machines.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- They helped create the country.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Without them, the land - couldn't have been reclaimed.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- They pumped water, - but were also used to make flour...
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- ..and any produce - that needed grinding.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- This mill produces peanut oil.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- It's fascinating to learn - how the internal machinery works.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Nobody here need worry - about carbon emissions.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- Ever-increasing modern mills - across Europe produce clean energy.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- If Amsterdam is a city of canals, - it's also a city of the arts.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- This is the Rijksmuseum, - home to 5,000 works by the masters.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- If ever you visit Amsterdam, - allow time to come here.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- There are over a million exhibits - and it's still expanding.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- The Rijksmuseum has an extensive - collection of the Dutch Masters...
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- ..but it also houses - other types of art.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- It hosts a range of exhibitions, - including photography.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- If time is short, Rembrandt's - The Night Watch is a must-see...
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- ..as is Vermeer's Dairy Maid...
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- ..and Portrait Of A Young Couple - by Frans Hals.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- Make time to see what you can - in this remarkable museum.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- When you're done, the Van Gogh - Museum is a stone's throw away.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- It is well worth a visit.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- The artist Vincent Van Gogh - is well-known to all.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- He met with little success - during his own lifetime.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- He didn't start to paint - until his late twenties.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- He died at the age of 37.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- He had been a prolific artist.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- He had worked on 900 paintings...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- ..and over a thousand drawings - and sketches.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Van Gogh would surely - have sympathized with Mozart.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- The artist also died a pauper, - though his work is now priceless.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Some 200 of his works - are displayed here.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- It's the world's largest collection.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- As with music, the influence - of the environment affects artists.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- This is called The Harvest - and is very atmospheric.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- You can almost hear the insects - and the birdsong.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- Who perhaps might be the equal - of Bach or Mozart in the art world?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- The answer is probably Rembrandt, - an amazing talent.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Sadly, he ended up bankrupt.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- His house in Amsterdam is today - a popular and flourishing museum.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- It was originally built - four centuries ago.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- The museum was opened a century ago.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- There are various drawings, - hundreds of them.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Through them, - we see how Rembrandt worked.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- It's akin to an original score - showing how a musician's mind works.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- The Concert-Gebouw is one - of the world's best concert halls.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- The Great Hall - can hold 2,000 people.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- The acoustics suit Mahler's - stirring symphonies, for example.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- The city's other great musical - centre is the Muziektheater.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- Mainly for opera, - it's the home of Dutch Opera...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..National Ballet - and Holland Symphonia.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Franz Liszt - visited Amsterdam many times.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- In 1866, he attended a festival - of concerts in his honour.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- Rhapsodie Espagnole - was premiered there.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- He wrote an arrangement of Psalm 13 - for tenor, choir and orchestra.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- It was warmly received.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Liszt was held in high regard - in Amsterdam.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- He was a guest - of Queen Sophie in The Hague.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- There are still plenty of places - to stage music festivals here.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- Undoubtedly, this is an unexpected - Amsterdam concert venue.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- But it's appropriate - - a canal, of course.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- A famous one - was the Prinsengracht concert.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- It was staged at Hotel Pulitzer, - part of the Canal Festival.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- The concerts - are still held every August.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- Large crowds attend, mainly by boat.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- No wonder it gets full here.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- It's the end of our long journey, - and what a journey too!
0:23:00 > 0:23:01- See you soon.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:32 > 0:23:32- .