Music in a Cold Climate: Sounds of Hansa Europe

As well as iron, wool and salt, the Hanseatic League trade organisation dealt with the movement of music and musicians in northern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. This delightful album showcases music that travelled far from home: a pavane by Englishman Anthony Holborne that proved as popular in Hamburg as in Britain; a miniature gem by Italian composer Antonio Bertali, whose scores can still be found in Scandinavian libraries; and much more. But the imagination, skill, and dedication of the performers are what make this album magical. A sparkling new commission by Andrew Keeling adds a witty, modern twist.