Set to vernacular texts dealing mainly with the theme of love, frottole were short, improvisatory polyphonic songs with instrumental accompaniment that flourished in the Renaissance...

Set to vernacular texts dealing mainly with the theme of love, frottole were short, improvisatory polyphonic songs with instrumental accompaniment that flourished in the Renaissance courts of Italy for some forty years between c. 1480 and 1520. Despite it's apparent simplicity, this completely new genre of song inspired some of Europe's greatest vocal and instrumental musicians. The recent invention of movable type added further to it's popularity. This recording explores a representative selection, including work published by the historically pivotal figure of Ottaviano Petrucci.