This intrepid band have been playing glorious ancient instruments at the Edinburgh Fringe for forty-five years; their programme today highlighted how free movement in Europe was essential to musicians hundreds of years ago. Susato’s ‘La Battaille’ accompanied the musicians’ procession down both aisles to the stage – they were at their most intriguing when divided into two parts, answering each other’s musical phrases. My favourite song ‘El grillo’ (the cricket) by Josquin des Pres began with a marvellous crumhorn quartet representing the cricket, though the alto shawm and tuned bells were notably good today too. But there’s more to the Renaissance than crumhorns, as Galileo may have said, and this well-researched, authentic programme – including an interesting commentary – both informed and entertained.

artSpace@StMarks, until 18 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Louise Rodgers]