Der Dirigent und Lautenist Konrad Junghändel ist durch seine Zusammenarbeit mit mit Ensembles wie Les Arts Florissants, La Petite Bande, Musica Antiqua Köln bekannt geworden. Die fortgesetzte Beschäftigung mit der vokalen Musik des Barock führte Junghänel 1987 zur Gründung des Vokalensembles Cantus Cölln, das sich innerhalb kürzester Zeit zu einem der führenden Ensembles entwickelte. Diese limitierte Edition umfasst 10 Alben mit herausragenden Aufnahmen Junghänels für das Label DHM, 6 davon als Lautenist, 4 mit Cantus Cölln.

Johann Schein undeservedly remains in obscurity because he had the misfortune to precede Johann Sebastian Bach as cantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. His fascinating collection of "sacred madrigals" employs techniques of avant-garde Italian secular music to set German language versions of Old Testament texts. Philippe Herreweghe's ensemble of singers and instrumentalists prove consummate advocates for this worthy, sometimes astonishing music.

This exciting x15 trk release from period ensemble Musica Fiata is a rare treat, featuring the work of composer Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630) and the heterogeneous collection of motets that make up his Cymbalum Sionium. Although Cymbalum Sionium has always attracted musicological interest, performances of most works have been very rare up until now. Schein’s melodic gifts, harmonic sensitivity as well as feeling for varied affects and great sense of structure enabled him to absorb all so many musical influences influences, imbuing them with the freshness of a gifted young composer creating music which still moves us today.