The Mystery of Sign. Mouthon

It is not sure if lutenist Mouton and composer Mouthon where the same people. What we do know is that this music from the 17th century is unknown music from Austria, played by the early music specialist ensemble Ars Antique Austria (a group of musicians that plays music from the wealth of pieces that has been handed over to us from Austria and which is now uncovered bit by bit). This is enchanting music, a richness uncovered! Charles Mouton was born in 1626 and died around 1699. ...What strikes us about Mouthon as astoundingly modern and actually indicative of a much later period are his melodies. They recall Handel, not only as regards the musical figures, but there are also similarities in the rarefied harmonies and the frequently schematic formation of the cadences. The collection not only shows the astonishingly high standard of musical culture in Austrian monasteries at the turn of the century, it also underscores the melting-pot character of the cultural attitude shared by Austrian cultural sponsors and patrons. By combining elements from the most diverse cultures they fostered the progress that led to the international Wiener Klassik - Viennese Classicism. We invite you to form an opinion whether this work is part of the collection of the lutenist of the 17th century Charles Mouton, whether it concerns another up to now unknown composer with the name Mouthon or whether the writing up is simply faulty." (Gunar Letzbor in the linernotes)