Scotland and England achieved political unification in 1603, and musical relations between the two countries prospered. But the contents of Scotland's first published book of secular music may at first still seem surprising: John Forbes's Cantus Songes and Fancies (Aberdeen 1662) contains English lute songs and ballads from forty years earlier, the generation of John Dowland, together with Scottish music probably of an even earlier date. Scottish manuscripts of the period also contain the same old-fashioned vocal repertoire, along with instrumental pieces with a more Celtic flavour. Pantagruel present a striking semi-staged performance of arrangements and improvisations, strongly characterised by Hannah Morrison's crystalline voice and the wire-strung plucked instruments.

Anthony Rooley says of Pantagruel: "Pantagruel are astonishing - in several respects! From the first sounds you know instantly you are in for something special and different. Immediately they establish their credentials - musicians of impeccable skill and facility, intelligence and wit. Here is 'Early Music' going somewhere quite new! I love them."

Media clips reproduced by kind permission of Pantagruel.