It’s a shame this album isn’t out before Christmas — it has a bright, cheery sound that suits the festive season perfectly.
Showcasing Renaissance and Baroque instruments, the album may say “Mediterranean” in the title, but it’s just as easy to imagine the music playing in an English salon as in a concert hall on the Med.
Spanish trombone virtuoso Juan González Martínez and Swiss organ/harpsichord specialist Lea Suter revive the sound world of the silver Renaissance trombone and the claviorganum.
According to the sleeve notes, Pope Leo X (1475–1521) acquired silver trombones for his chapel as a status symbol. While brass offers a robust and brilliant sound, silver is described as brighter and more contoured.
It all adds up to an easy-on-the-ear Renaissance programme.
Out on MDG: MDG 903 2387-6.
