Age of Passion

On this CD, Viola da Gamba (Ensemble Art d'Echo under the direction of Juliane Laake) and Bandoneon (Lothar Hensel) meet: the 17th and 20th centuries tell alternately and in each case in their very own language and form, finally in the tonal language of the 21st century to connect directly with each other and to open up new dimensions in a contemporary composition.

In this project the viola da gamba links up with the bandoneon: the 17th and 20th centuries tell their stories in turn and each in its own original language and form, before finally coming together in the tonal language of the 21st century in a contemporary composition, opening up new dimensions of the age-old human theme of passion.

‘Layton has directed this annual St John Passion for several seasons now. His readings, which are becoming ever more dramatic and daring, have a raw intensity. It was easy to see why these concerts have become one of the highlights in London’s musical calendar’ (The Guardian)

Astronomy is by far the most popular of the physical sciences, enticing enough to become a major cultural preoccupation for many, and for some an enthralling scientific activity which veritably rules their lives. What is the nature of that seemingly unstoppable attraction? In this lively and compelling account, William Sheehan – professional psychiatrist, noted historian of astronomy, and incurable observer - explores the nature of that allure through the story of man's visual exploration of the planets.

Astronomy is by far the most popular of the physical sciences, enticing enough to become a major cultural preoccupation for many, and for some an enthralling scientific activity which veritably rules their lives.