German Seventeenth-Century Church Music (Schutx, Buxtehude, JC Bach, Rosenmuller, Krieger, etc)

'For its combination of excitingly new repertoire and luminous instrumental textures this CD is a must-have for anyone who wants to understand the early baroque' (Early Music Quarterly)

'An auspicious solo debut for Robin Blaze and another feather in the cap of The Parley of Instruments' (Classical Express)

'It is probably unnecessary to recommend the disc; but, if you haven't bought it, hasten to your nearest CD shop' (Early Music Review)

'History aside, this CD is an utter delight. A marvellous introduction to the music J S Bach grew up with' (Classic CD)

'A delightful recital, well worth hearing, and hearing again, especially in these stylish, dedicated and warm-hearted performances. Notes, texts and illustrations are all one could wish for' (Hi-Fi News)

Seventeenth-century church music written for Lutheran churches in Germany was largely influenced by the highly fashionable music emerging from Italy at the time. In 1620 composers such as Heinrich Schütz and Michael Praetorius experimented with a new Italian style that used small combinations of solo voices and obbligato instruments, allowing solo singers to show off their virtuosity and expressive abilities.

The famous 'Lamento', Ach, dass ich Wassers gnug hätte in meinem Haupte, for alto, violin solo, four-part strings and continuo is attributed to Heinrich Bach, but a lost copy in the Bach family archive (once owned by JS Bach) is ascribed to Johann Christoph Bach, this is more convincing given the highly sophisticated and expressive style of the music which is similar to his other works