The vocal work of Joel Frederiksen has both the character and expressivity judged the New York Times about the American bass baritone and lutenist Joel Frederiksen. In their new album the Munich-based musician and his ensemble Phoenix Munich tell stories about the theme of love. The works are from the famous English composer John Dowland (1563-1626). Well known songs such as In darkness let me dwell and Flow my teares combine Frederiksen with unknown, beautiful songs and well-listened instrumental pieces.

Leonard Cohen, who liked to call himself a 'chansonnier,' grew up in French‐speaking Montreal, Canada. He is appreciated both as a poet and for his sensitivity to combining words and music. This project connects Cohen musically and poetically with previous generations of songwriters. Orlando di Lasso's famous 16th century chanson Susanne un jour meets Cohen's Suzanne. Josquin des Prez's Adieu mes amours or courtly dances published by Pierre Attaingnant in Paris in 1529 combine with Cohen's songs and the eras converge. With knowledge of Renaissance musical practices, new diminutions on Cohen's music emerge, including original chordal accompaniments for viola da gamba or lute based on late 16th and 17th century models.

French Renaissance chansons meet songs by Leonard Cohen: a great modern singer-songwriter, a "troubadour", passed away in 2016. This programme, is a tribute to his art, and provides a link to the French Renaissance chanson.

Following the success of his 2011 album Rose of Sharon a celebration of 18th Century American music that landed on Billboard s classical chart and critics year-end lists the latest project by Joel Frederiksen and the Ensemble Phoenix Munich takes them all the way back in time to… 1972. That was the year the late British troubadour and cult favorite Nick Drake released his third and final album, Pink Moon. Initially, the album garnered a small amount of critical attention, but it was not until decades after Drake s death that it received widespread public and critical acclaim. Today, the sparse and unadorned tracks of Pink Moon are regarded by many fans and music critics as the greatest efforts of a tragically short career.