Christophe Plantin was one of the 16th century’s greatest publishers and by a stroke of luck the complete contents of his business have survived – they are now displayed in the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. As we can see from this release’s generously illustrated booklet, Plantin’s scores were first class, combining beauty and clarity. Paul van Nevel’s Huelgas Ensemble has recorded an absorbing selection of sacred and secular works published by Plantin. With the exception of Palestrina, the composers here are fairly obscure, but don’t let that put you off – there are many treasures to be enjoyed.

Amongst the sacred items, the Agnus Dei from Jacobus de Kerle’s Missa Da Pacem Domine impresses not...