William Jackson of Exeter was a painter and writer as well as a composer, but he has been, until now, something of a hidden treasure....

William Jackson of Exeter was a painter and writer as well as a composer, but he has been, until now, something of a hidden treasure. As Timothy Roberts writes in his introduction to this first album of Jackson’s music, ‘his songs are rooted in English traditions, and if his harmonies rarely move beyond those of Corelli and Handel, Jackson’s emphasis on sensibility also brings hints of early Romanticism.’ One contemporary observed that ‘His melodies were pure and natural,’ resulting in music that is both elegant and charming. This recording brings two esteemed early music stars into the toccata Classics catalogue: Dame Emma Kirkby and Charles Daniels. Dame Emma Kirkby’s voice and style are recognized worldwide. Awarded a DBE in 2008 and in 2011 the Queen’s Medal for Music, she is grateful for these responses to the world of early music. Charles Daniels is recognized as one of the world’s leading performers of Baroque music. He has made over 90 recordings, and is based primarily in Bunyola.