Popular opinion has dealt harshly with Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640): there are too many gods and goddesses in his paintings and the women are large. But through changing fashions, the strength and vigour of his work are still a marvel: in a Rubens even the darkness seems glow. On this CD, the world of Rubens is given a musical perspective with a carefully chosen selection of pieces by the finest composers of his time. Inside, Hugh Griffith provides explanatory notes on his life and musical environment.

The Naxos Art and Music series presents the composers active during the lives of the leading painters and sculptors, setting a musical context to their work.