Lautten Compagney - On the Trail of Marco Polo (LP)

Lautten Compagney, one of Germany's most influential historically informed performance ensembles, invites you to embark on a captivating journey through time and space with "On the Trail of Marco Polo." This exquisite collection of chamber music, released on October 30, 2015, under the prestigious Deutsche Harmonia Mundi label, is a testament to the ensemble's mastery and dedication to historical performance practices.

Recorded in the acoustically superb Haus des Rundfunks Berlin, Saal 3, between May 4 and May 7, 2015, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, featuring 20 enchanting tracks that blend Renaissance and Baroque styles. The ensemble, under the direction of Wolfgang Katschner, breathes new life into compositions by masters such as Claudio Monteverdi, with pieces like "Pur ti miro" showcasing the group's nuanced interpretation and technical prowess.

The album's diverse repertoire includes dance pieces like "Pavane Ferrareze," "Gaillarde Ferrareze," and "Saltarello," as well as vocal works like "Non ha'l ciel cotanti lumi" and "Folle cor." The ensemble's exploration of international influences is evident in tracks like "Schlacht - Schach / Horse Race (Chinese Tune)" and "The Chinese Lantern, Pt. 1 & 2," which highlight the cultural exchanges that occurred along Marco Polo's historic route.

"On the Trail of Marco Polo" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a historical and cultural exploration brought to life by the talented musicians of Lautten Compagney. The album's meticulous recording and performance make it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.