Johann Kaspar Kerll (1627-1693) is mainly known nowadays for his organ works. But in his own time he was most admired for his sacred vocal works and his instrumental compositions. This CD presents some examples of his output in both categories.

The main composition is the 'Missa In fletu solatium obsidionis Viennensis', which was written during the Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683 which Kerll experienced at first hand. It is a 'missa in angustiis', as Haydn's 'Nelson Mass' was called, a mass in troubled times, and it shows. There is frequent use of chromaticism, in particular in the 'Amen' at the end of both the Gloria and Credo.

Some of the instrumental works performed here also have some interesting characteristics: in the Sonata a 3 for two violins, viola da gamba and basso continuo, there is a long passage for viola da gamba and basso continuo only. The Canzona a 3 contains a virtuoso part for the dulcian.

The sacred concertos are on texts which are not liturgical, but are very personal in their devotion, like 'Tota pulchra es Maria' - in praise of and a prayer to the virgin Mary - or the concertos 'Admiramini fideles' and 'Angelorum esca', both on the Eucharist.

Most of this repertoire has never been recorded before.