The piece "Askania" by Klaus-Peter Bruchmann has a historical reference. Askania Castle near Aschersleben was the ancestral seat of a famous German dynasty of princes in the Middle Ages. The Ascanians ruled as dukes, margraves and electors in Anhalt, Brandenburg and Saxony-Wittenberg.

Without being programmatic himself, the composer traces the courtly life of the Middle Ages scenically: Festive fanfares call for knightly receptions and invite to exuberant celebrations. Hunting events and warl...