Paradiso and Fairies in Space

In the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's, Wirksworth, yesterday (yes, I was in Derbyshire again), a wind ensemble was playing Paradiso by the Elizabethan composer Anthony Holborne. It was a joy to see as well as hear – those curious wooden period instruments being played with discipline and quiet enjoyment by players old and young. Here is another ensemble playing this beautiful piece – with, in this arrangement, the addition of a triangle...

Holborne also has the honour of being represented on the Golden Record that NASA sent into space to show those extraterrestrial vinyl junkies what we're made of. His The Fairie Round, performed by the great early music pioneer David Munrow, is one of the tracks...