But such is life in the complex and very enjoyable spider’s web that is the history of music that we are very pleased to be able to help unravel. Apart from the baroque composer Albinoni, this issue is also devoted to the Renaissance composer Alexander Agricola, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of his death in Valladolid (Spain) this year. Fabrice Fitch’s article is not only a portrait of this famous cantor and composer, but fundamentally a historical mosaic in which the social history of a splendid and creative period is outlined.

Continuing with the constant attention Goldberg has paid to great baroque works in the field of opera and oratorio, on this occasion Pierre Degott examines the Handel oratorio Athalia. This work was composed and premiered in Oxford during a period during which the composer’s popularity was at a low ebb in London (incredible but true!) and which also reflects some of the most difficult moments of his biography. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, music played an important role in Spanish theatre.

Whether in comedies or as an essential part of zarzuelas and operas, its presence was decisive in both courtly celebrations and popular theatre. José Máximo Leza takes us through the details of this attractive and enjoyable journey in his excellent article about opera and zarzuela in baroque Spain.The featured artist of this issue is Trevor Pinnock, founder of The English Concert in 1972, and we celebrate his 60th birthday. Happy 2007!