The Knights Templar order emerged shortly after the first Crusade in 1099 when nine Knights swore to devote themselves to protect the Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem and the holy places. The order owed its rapid growth in popularity to the fact that it combined the two great passions of the Middle Ages, religious fervour and martial prowess and for nearly 200 years, they were a part of the structure of everyday society in Europe. One day, on October 13th 1307, it was all over…

CD 1

Music for a knight

Music on this CD spotlights the familiar grounds of a Knight. What he would hear in church, at court, and on the road to the Holy Land.

CD 2

Music of the church

Most likely a Knight Templar when not in a battle spent a lot of time praying. Dominating music of the monasteries of the Middle Ages and further on in history, Gregorian chant represents the continuing musical tradition of the Catholic Church.

CD 3

Music of the Mediterranean

It is known that Alfonso the Wise had a court chapel with musicians and poets from all three faiths (Christian, Muslim and Jewish). On the other side of the Mediterranean the Ottoman Empire was mixed in language, religion and culture as well and there was a lively cultural exchange between these diverse cultures. Many new instruments were introduced into Christian music, but also very different forms of poetry.