Bartłomiej Pękiel was one of the most eminent Polish composers of choral music of the 17th century. He served at the court in Warsaw from around 1633 and was assistant to Marco Scacchi at the Chapel Royal in Warsaw before becoming Kapellmeister himself from 1645-1655 - the first non-Italian to hold the post. He then moved to Wawel Cathedral in Krakow where he wrote for the Rorantist vocal ensemble.

Just 29 of his compositions survive today and on this new album by The Sixteen, under the direction of Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan, we present 10 of his works for choir and orchestra including the Missa Concertata La Lombardesca resplendent with double choir, violins and sackbuts and the extraordinary and dramatic Audite mortales.

In this recording dedicated solely to his works, Pękiel shows himself to be a skilled craftsman, mastering the techniques taught by the Italian maestri, but also imbuing his works with his own particular harmonic colour in all the varied styles in which he writes.

Eamonn Dougan is The Sixteen's Associate Conductor and has conducted the group throughout the UK and Europe - most recently to great acclaim at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, at the Abbaye de Lessay, France and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Eamonn is also Principal Guest Conductor of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and Chorus Director of Britten Sinfonia Voices. He is also a regular Guest Conductor with Wrocław Philharmonic Choir, Poland. Alongside Harry Christophers, Eamonn co-conducted The Sixteen’s 2012 album The Earth Resounds to great acclaim.