During the Reformation, hymns were used to alter the world view of the population. In Denmark, many of the hymns were adapted from medieval traditions or borrowed from other languages. As a result, hymns, too, were reformed to fit Protestant purposes. On this 30-track release, the Copenhagen-based vocal ensemble Musica Ficta join forces with the music scholar Bjarke Moe to explore the Danish Reformation hymnody from an international perspective, with links to European musical works from the 16th century.

This album is the result of a scholarly project exploring the historical development of Danish Reformation hymnody, the repertoire and international influences.

The hymns on this album reflects the development from the professional Gregorian inspired chant in the new Protestant church to the introduction of Lutheran hymns, of secular melodies and to the 17th century’s hymns sung by the congregation, close to our modern practice.

Musica Ficta is an internationally recognised vocal ensemble founded in 1996 and based in Copenhagen. Early European vocal music is Musica Ficta’s speciality, especially the Italian madrigals, along with a dedicated work with the Danish treasury of songs.

Conductor and composer Bo Holten is the founder, conductor and artistic leader of Musica Ficta. He is a sought-after conductor and is internationally acknowledged as a leading specialist and driving force in the international movement for early music.

Music by Orlande de Lassus, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Matthaeus le Maistre, Møgens Pederson, Arnolt Schlick, Ludwig Senfl and Johann Walter.