Anna Paradiso, the harpsichordist on this recording, holds a D. Phil. in Latin and Classical Greek and has taught at Oxford University.
Interpretation
Anna Paradiso, the performer on this album, believes that Roman's music, like Domenico Scarlatti's, requires rubato to follow its sudden mood changes and unexpected harmonies.
Composition History
The 12 Keyboard Sonatas were composed between 1728 and 1746, with Roman likely assembling existing compositions into a set of 12 works around 1746.
Composer Biography
Roman's career began when he was formally appointed to the Hovkapellet (Court Musicians) in 1711, having likely already been playing in the orchestra as an unpaid expectant.
Composer Biography
Roman spent five formative years in London (1715-1721), where he encountered Italian music, participated in the city's rich cultural life, and saw Handel directing music from the harpsichord.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Roman was greatly inspired by the Neapolitan school of baroque music, which influenced the restless harmonic idiom, continuous melodic shifts, and theatrical character of his later works.
Composer Biography
Johan Helmich Roman, often called 'the father of Swedish music,' was the first Swedish-born composer of distinction.
