Although not a St James Publishing production, this remarkable CD is included because of its very special qualities, and is available through us. The ensemble endeavours to recreate the inspirational singing of Orphic hymns, as practised under the direction of the father of the Renaissance, Marsilio Ficino, in the Platonic Academy in 15th century Florence. The hauntingly beautiful and profound Hymns - 'seven invocations for the contemplation of things celestial' - are sung in Latin by Catherine King and Mark Tucker with a clarity that arrests the attention. Authentic instrumental accompaniment is provided by the lute, viols and lira da braccio of the Marini Consort.

The invocations are interspersed with readings from Ficino's letters spoken by Mark Rylance, Director of the Globe Theatre in London.

The CD booklet contains background notes, as well as translations of the Latin texts