The Renaissance saw Europe regularly convulsed by war, asneighbours and rivals jostled for territory and power, Catholics andProtestants clashed over religious principle, and Christian nations contendedwith the threat of the Ottoman Turks. But it was also a time of greatalliances, when peace treaties were celebrated with lavish diplomatic displays,and hostile nations were bound together through dynastic marriages. Thisfascinating programme explores the responses of composers to these turbulenttimes, drawing on almost two centuries of music from Dufay to Schütz. Along theway we experience the sounds of battle in Jannequin’s remarkable chanson Laguerre, encounter plangent laments for fallen cities and lost generations,and savour serene motets welcoming longed-for peace.
Stile Antico
