Lost until 2015, Telemann’s set of 12 Fantasies for viola da gamba were composed in the mid-1730s, about the time he published his often-heard fantasies for flute and for violin. Now Polish viola player Michał Bryła has smartly transcribed and brilliantly recorded the gamba fantasies. For Baroque violists looking for new solo repertoire, this is a rather stunning find.

‘A fellow vocalist,’ writes Cecilia Duarte, ‘mentioned to me that whenever she was onstage, she would hear the voices of every person that had ever criticized her. It became clear to me that our artistic community had a huge need…’ 

In its annual survey of the field, REMA-European Early Music Network received alarming input from its members on funding cuts. The impact will be felt across the sector, even as many European organizations rely heavily on public subsidies. It may mean ‘fewer concerts, safer and less diverse programming, less work for independent musicians, and more pressure on organizations that were already trying to hang on.’

Saint Francis of Assisi preached against the Crusades and, venturing to Egypt to stop the fighting, met with Sultan Malik al-Kamil. This cross-cultural dialogue inspired the ensembles Constantinople and Holland Baroque for a deeply satisfying album that weaves together musical traditions from east and west.