Paisiello's final years took place against a backdrop of political turmoil. Around the turn of the century, his home town of Naples was twice invaded by the French. Paisiello opted to remain behind and work for the new republican state. When the King of Naples was restored to the throne the second time, he turned his back on Paisiello, leaving him in a state of poverty and disgrace for the remaining months of his life. Donald introduces music from Paisiello's final years, including the overture to 'Proserpina', dedicated to his friend and supporter, Napoleon Bonaparte, an excerpt from his penultimate stage work 'Il passaggio de Monte San Bernardo' composed to honour Napoleon's brother Joseph, and part of the Mass for the Dead dedicated to members of the Neapolitan royal family. Show less