Music, art and lifestyle from Italy fascinated English society in the 16th century: Romeo and Juliet were not the only lovers of Shakespeare to meet under the southern sun. English musicians travelled to Rome, Florence and Mantua to study the Italian way of making music. With the Bassano family, Henry VIII brought a highly virtuoso recorder ensemble from Venice to his court.

The Venetian family soon established itself in London and connected with local musicians through marriage. Many family members worked as composers, musicians or instrument makers and of course did not lose their connection to their old homeland Italy. In Emilia Bassano, a particularly beautiful and talented young flautist, some literary scholars believe they have recognised the famous "Dark Lady" from Shakespeare's sonnets.

B-Five follows the traces of artistic migration during the Renaissance: refined diminutions, polyphonic sound structures and lively folk dance melodies bear witness to the beauty that blossomed from the encounter of different musical traditions.