The West-European music of the 16th-17th centuries was performed at the concert “Ambassadorial Custom” held in the Cross Chamber of the Patriarch’s Palace. In the 17th century, Russia maintained constant diplomatic ties with many foreign countries, and participants of the embassies, who left dairies and memoirs, were deeply impressed by the solemn atmosphere of the Faceted and Golden Chambers at the receptions. The music was always following the ceremonies and oftentimes new musical trends found their way into the Muscovy thanks to the embassies. The evening began with the compositions of the late 16th century that can be attributed to the transitional period from the Renaissance epoch to the Baroque. The last part of the concert consisted of music, created by the baroque composers.
The program included musical pieces by Jacob Obrecht, Claude de Sermisy, Thomas Crecquillon, and many other composers. They were performed by the baroque ensemble “Musica Tempora”, which is famous for playing early music on historical instruments.
The festival “Ambassadorial Gifts” is organized with the support of the “Pepeliaev Group” law firm.