Robinson, T: A Toy

Christian IV, 1577-1648, invested the Danish court with immense prestige. Added to diplomatic and military ambitions was a rich artistic life, especially in music. The Copenhagen court was rich with singers and instrumentalists, and therefore became an important place of passage for European composers. Les Witches invite us to listen to their latest recording, a celebration of Danish court musicians and the Esaias Compenius organ, installed in the chapel of the Frederiksborg Castle by Christian IV in 1617, but actually built in 1610 a mere 400 years ago, and played by both Dowland and Praetorius.

Delicate lute duets which conjure images of an expensively draped Tudor room where musicians play quietly in one corner as the fading winter sun streams through a stained glass window, creating colours and reflections which are mirrored in the twists, turns and melodies of this elegant music.