Musica instrumentalis imperialis : Festive sonatas from imperial Vienna (2024)

The Tubicinatores gedanenses (trumpeters from Gdansk) and their “associated string players” (Arcus adiuncti) lead us directly into the intellectual heart of the Viennese imperial court with a program that splendidly depicts the grandeur that characterized Danube metropolis 300 years ago. A truly gigantic ensemble, for which no less than six court composers wrote music, alongside the successive majesties Joseph I and Charles VI, who themselves creatively engaged in the realm of music and produced remarkable works: this was a scene that sent not only artistic but also unmistakable political signals into the world. Hence, the resounding instrumentation was reserved solely for the highest echelons: the virtuosic art of trumpets and drums was simply not meant for subjects…" (prestomusic.com)