These paintings were made by David Hockney as mask designs for a production of Stravinksy's Le Rossignol performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York in 1982. In 1975, John Cox – the Director of productions at Glyndebourne from 1972-1981 - was invited to direct a new version of Stravinksy's The Rake's Progress and commissioned Hockney to design the set. Although Hockney had no previous experience in this, Cox felt he would have 'an instinctive understanding of the material'. This was to be the David Hockney's first foray into the world of opera but not the last. Further invitations came from The Met (as in the present work), Lyric Opera Chicago and The Royal Opera House, London, among others.

"Le Rossignol" (The Nightingale) is an opera by the renowned Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. It is based on a poetic tale by Hans Christian Andersen, "The Nightingale." Stravinsky composed the opera in 1908-1909, and it marked an essential stage in his career, transitioning him from his earlier Russian-inspired works to his groundbreaking neoclassical style.

The opera tells the enchanting story of an Emperor who becomes captivated by the beautiful songs of a nightingale in his garden. However, the Emperor's fascination shifts when he is gifted a mechanical nightingale, adorned with jewels and made of metal. The artificial bird's allure overshadows the real nightingale's charms, leading to a tragic realization for the Emperor.

"Le Rossignol" premiered in Paris in 1914. It showcases Stravinsky's innovative use of orchestration and harmonies, experimenting with new tonalities and rhythmical complexities. The opera features lush and colorful orchestral textures, effectively evoking the mystical and ethereal atmosphere of the fairy tale.

Stravinsky's "Le Rossignol" is an essential work in early 20th-century opera, blending elements of Russian folklore and symbolism with modern musical language. The opera's imaginative and evocative storytelling, combined with Stravinsky's inventive musical style, has made it a celebrated piece in the opera repertoire.