Schmelzer: Sacro-Profanus Sonatas

With this first project for Zig-Zag Territories, the musicians of the Canadian ensemble Masques under the direction of the harpsichordist Olivier Fortin demonstrate their passion for Austrian Baroque composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer. Ensemble Masques offers sonatas for five and six instruments, alternating with character pieces like Die Fechtschule (an evocation of battle), Die Polnische Sackpfeiffe, and the famous Lamento sopra il morte Ferdinandi III. This varied program highlights the diversity and the Italian inspiration of Schmelzer’s music.