Trésors Oubliés, the debut album from New York’s period-instrument Quodlibet Winds, is devoted to music from early 19th-century Paris. The ensemble makes a stellar case for this repertoire. While strict in form, ‘there’s a sense of freedom and spontaneity that invites listeners inside the music.’

Bach Collegium San Diego, led by Ruben Valenzuela, finds acclaim for their ‘El Mesías’ project, a translation of ‘Messiah’ into Spanish. And why not? Handel himself altered his music to adapt to new contexts and audiences.

Concordian Dawn’s ‘Caroles by Candel-lēoht’ service, a Christmastime tradition, is the inspiration for the Medieval ensemble’s latest album. The music comes from English, Hebrew, Latin, and Sephardic traditions in an often fraught search for ‘redemption and salvation.’

A valuable new book (and accompanying website) on protest songs gives insightful political context to music that can seem detached from its original meaning and culture. ‘A protest song, like protest itself, is intent upon political change—of ideas, attitudes, or actions.’