In the 17th century, Poland was one of the most dynamic cultural centres in Europe, mainly due to royal patronage and great magnate families. Opera and ballet performances were organized, in many churches organs were built. An important role in the development of Polish musical culture of that period was played by numerous court ensembles, of which the royal one was of course of the highest quality. It was also the long-time Kapellmeister of the court of Wladyslaw IV, Bartlomiej Pekiel, that belonged to the European musical elite. OCTAVA – one of the most interesting Polish vocal groups presents, along with a group of early music specialists invited to perform this work, pieces of this composer, most important for the Polish music of the 17th century. This is the first comprehensive and complete phonographic edition of the works of Bartlomiej Pekiel, which features pieces not yet published, including works found in the Archives of the Wawel Cathedral Chapter.
