British royalty has a long history of musical involvement, with figures like Henry VIII, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry V all playing or composing music.
Composition History
The first 17 works on this album were commissioned by the Performing Right Society (PRS) in 1970 for Prince Charles's 21st birthday and investiture as Prince of Wales.
Composition History
The commissioned works for Prince Charles were specifically for cello and piano or for trumpet, as the Prince played both instruments.
Composer Biography
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, was a prolific composer who received daily music lessons from boyhood and became proficient on piano and organ.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Prince Albert believed that royals could not be distinguished artists due to their duties, but should learn to understand and appreciate the work of others.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Music for a Prince, Music by a Prince," refers to works commissioned for Prince Charles and compositions by Prince Albert.
Recording & Production
Many of the works for Prince Charles on this album are first recordings, as only two of the original fourteen pieces were published at the time.
