Hamburger Ratsmusik is a fantastic early music ensemble hailing from Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991 by viol player and director Simone Eckert. Drawing inspiration from the city's historic "Ratsmusik" tradition—think the old town musicians who performed for civic events—they specialize in Baroque and Renaissance tunes, often using period instruments to bring that authentic vibe to life. They've got a knack for spotlighting lesser-known gems from Northern German composers like Johann Schop and Dietrich Becker, while also blending in global influences, like Persian classical music in some of their projects.
Over the years, they've released a bunch of acclaimed albums on labels like Coviello Classics, covering everything from Telemann cantatas to intimate sonatas and improvisational pieces. Whether they're performing live at festivals or recording sacred concertos, Hamburger Ratsmusik keeps the spirit of historical music alive with energy and precision, making them a go-to for fans of that rich, ornate sound from the 17th and 18th centuries.
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