A Little Nightmare Music and released on CD by Vanguard Records in 1983. The album also includes two other works by P. D. Q. Bach: an octet (Octoot for wind instruments) and a parody of Handel's "Water Music" and "Music for the Royal Fireworks", Royal Firewater Musick. A recording of the original cast of the opera was made. Since the opera is short, the recording also includes two other works by P.D.Q. Bach, "Octoot" for wind instruments, S. 8 and "Royal Firewater Musick", for bottles and orchestra (original version), S. 1/5. The track listing is as follows: A Little Nightmare Music Octoot Royal Firewater
Serse does not know that his brother is in love with the singer, and entranced by her music, Serse announces that he wants her to be his. Arsamene is horrified when Serse orders him to tell Romilda of his love. Arsamene warns Romilda of what Serse wants - this encourages Atalanta, Romilda's sister, who is secretly in love with Arsamene also and hopes that Romilda will be Serse's and then she can have Arsamene. Serse tells Romilda that he wants her for his queen and when Arsamene remonstrates Serse banishes him. Romilda is determined to remain faithful to the man she