‘The Duarte Circle’ features the world premiere recordings of several pieces, including sinfonias by Leonara Duarte, as performed by Ensemble Transports Publics and director Thomas Baeté, a leading gambist player.

While Rubens was painting masterpieces in his studio, just around the corner the Duartes were playing music. In this family of Portuguese-Jewish origin, music was the order of the day, and anyone who received an invitation to a concert at the Duarte’s home could consider themselves fortunate. Gaspar Duarte and his children sang and played not only their own compositions, but also those of their broader circle of composer friends. The house concert that the Transports Publics ensemble has reconstructed for this recording includes works by Leonora Duarte, John Bull, Salomone Rossi, Frescobaldi and Huygens.