How does the new appear in the world? A central and recurring question for mankind; particularly at Christmas time of course. The glad tidings of...

How does the new appear in the world? A central and recurring question for mankind; particularly at Christmas time of course. The glad tidings of the birth of Christ, in the beliefs of the Christian world, is the piece of news in the history of mankind. Over the centuries quite different responses are found in Europe - by no means always in a serious tone of voice, but often almost wildly cheerful. The Playfords, the ensemble specialising in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, has taken itself on a musical journey, and rediscovered Christmas music from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Well-known German tunes stand alongside songs and dances from England, France and Spain, all in the ensemble's own colourful arrangements. With their usual precision the Playfords present the whole palette of Christmas feelings from emotion to ecstasy.