Sir Nicholas Jackson, who composed and conducts this opera, is a former organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, and is also a well-known harpsichordist.
Historical Context
The fictional kingdoms of Paflagonia and Crim Tartary, central to the story, were real ancient kingdoms on the Black Sea, and their names coincided with the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854.
Composition History
This opera is based on William Makepeace Thackeray's 'The Rose and the Ring,' written in Rome in 1854 as a 'Fireside Pantomime'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sir Nicholas Jackson, the composer, aimed to include as much of Thackeray's original words as possible in the opera's libretto.
Performer Biography
Concertante of London, the Baroque Ensemble on this recording, was formed by Nicholas Jackson in 2004 and performs on authentic period instruments.
Compositional Technique
The opera incorporates adaptations and orchestrations of harpsichord sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), with vocal lines set upon them.
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