Reviews:
The Rose and The Ring (May 5th 2016, The Charterhouse, London) FULL REVIEW: http://www.cityam.com/241452/the-rose-and-the-ring-at-the-charterhouse-how-to-enjoy-country-opera-within-the-square-mile
‘… Jackson’s operatic adaptation of this piece of children’s literature stands up to a mature audience… the cast acquitted themselves admirably, proving more than equal to the challenging vocal roles. Tim Pigott-Smith of Downton Abbey fame played compere for the night, narrating key details of the plot and throwing in some deftly-timed gags. But it was Prince Giglio, played by tenor William Moran, who stole the show; the passion he displayed after his arrival in scene three had a palpable effect on the rest of the cast. With characters like the fat Prince Bulbo, the ugly Countess Gruffy and the trigger-happy Captain Hedzoff, The Rose and the Ring is more pantomime than restoration comedy, but it’s the best one you’ll see in May.’ Edith Hancock – City A.M. ***** (19th May, 2016)
The Rose and The Ring (May 4th 2016, Drapers’ Hall, London) FULL REVIEW: http://www.operatoday.com/content/2016/05/the_rose_and_th.php
‘The result is an opera whose action and music are fresh, piquant, splendidly absorbing and charmingly wrong-footing; and, which retains the oxymoronic blend of innocence and sophistication which characterises Thackeray’s original… Mofidian, whose diction was superlative, threw himself enthusiastically into a range of minor parts — coachman, gaoler, officer and porter; and in the latter role demonstrated a tangy cockney accent.
I found Sir Nicholas’s score intriguing and engaging throughout; there was always some detail, contrast, juxtaposition or tartness to capture the interest… the playing of the Concertante of London was splendid. Leader Madeleine Easton did sterling work from a centrally placed position, indicating tempo, articulation and dynamic with utmost clarity and, seemingly alert to every detail of the complicated score, offering clear guidance to the whole ensemble of players and singers.
Sir Nicholas Jackson has done a terrific job in marrying diverse worlds while retaining the idiosyncratic uniqueness of Thackeray’s novel. Initially, I was surprised that the music of some sonatas were chosen to accompany more than one scene but, then, each Scarlatti sonata seems to possess unlimited variety of passion and expression. Sir Nicholas’s The Rose and the Ring shows us the inventiveness, unpredictability and joviality common to both Thackeray and Scarlatti, as well as their underlying perspicacity.’ Claire Seymour – Opera Today (May 5th, 2016 )
“He plays with superb judgement, and seems to find his way to the core of the music every time.”
RECORDS AND RECORDINGS
“Nicholas Jackson’s whirlwind finger-work”
THE TIMES
“The doubling of the task of conductor and soloist was strikingly successful”
THE TELEGRAPH
“The magnificent organist Nicholas Jackson…clarity and simplicity…generous specularity..”
ABC Madrid (Organ Concerto by Handel Op 7 No 4)
“He performs Scarlatti with splendid panache…his brilliant command of the instrument….
a fine record”
THE GRAMOPHONE
“His strength as an interpreter lies in his warm response to modern romantic music,
as is evidenced by his powerful and dramatic performance of Langlais’ Incantation pour un jour Saint.”
THE GRAMOPHONE
“Nicholas Jackson’s playing is impeccable”
HI FI NEWS
“The hero of the day is Nicholas Jackson who first performed his Four Images at
Notre Dame where they must have sounded very splendid indeed.”
THE GRAMOPHONE
“Jackson is a superb interpreter of his own music. His dazzling Variations on ‘
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’ constitute a marvellously inventive tour de force.”
MUSIC WEB (Naxos CD recorded at Chartres)
“It isn’t just the organ of Chartres Cathedral that sounds French.
So does Jackson’s music which is warmly recommended to those happy in Messiaen and Durufle territory.
The composer-organist’s ear for poised other-worldly harmony and iridescent colour is beautifully evident …”
CLASSIC FM (Naxos)
“In the Organ Mass by Nicholas by Nicholas Jackson,
delicate accompanying figures weave an atmospheric spell, and there is a glorious ending …”
RECORDS AND RECORDINGS (Naxos)
“I can heartily recommend Nicholas Jackson’s Bach CD of
‘Christmas Organ Music’…excellent playing and good value.”
THE GRAMOPHONE (SOMM)
“Jackson’s fine and sensitive playing throughout” (CD of Spanish organ music)
CHOIR & ORGAN (PRIORY)
“Nicholas shows himself again to be a world-class harpsichord soloist.”
INTERNATIONAL RECORD REVIEW Oct 2009
