The Tubicinatores Gedanenses (trumpeters from Gdansk) and their "associated string players" (Arcus adiuncti) lead us directly into the intellectual heart of the Viennese imperial court with a programme that splendidly depicts the grandeur that characterised Danube metropolis 300 years ago. A truly gigantic ensemble, for which no fewer than six court composers wrote music, alongside the successive majesties Joseph I and Charles VI, who themselves creatively engaged in the realm of music and produced remarkable works: this was a scene that sent not only artistic but also unmistakable political signals into the world. Hence, the resounding instrumentation was reserved solely for the highest echelons: the virtuosic art of trumpets and drums was simply not meant for subjects...