A quotation from Dante’s Inferno has inspired the title of this recording, setting the scene for its contents: ‘Suso in Italia bella…’, ‘High up in lovely Italy lies a lake at the foot of the Alps bordering Germany.’ That idyllic stretch of land we now know as northern Italy has captured the imagination of Europeans, and indeed of the whole world. La Reverdie presents us with a gentle recital of music from this area, spanning some seven centuries – from the 8th to the 15th.

The earliest piece, by Paolino of Aquileia, a fully-developed and moving lament for the death of a Frankish Margrave, comes from Carolingian times. Its groupings of low-key strophes alternate with anguished female spoken dialogue, conjuring up visions of professional mourners, the paid pleureuses. Two pieces from Cividale – one in honour of the Blessed Virgin, O Lylium convallium, the other an Easter Benedicamus trope, Submersus jacet Pharao, with alternating plucked string accompaniment – fill the space which brings the listener into the 13th century.

Poets and composers of the 13th and 14th centuries offer secular songs, telling of unrequited and unfaithful love, and others composed for special occasions, their dedications either spoken or sung. One of these, Lux purpurata, by Jacopo da Bologna, celebrating an official visit by the Papal Legate, contains an acronym, LUCHINUS VU COMES, and ends with some spectacular hocketing.

Prefaced by an erudite introduction, the singing is generally soft and low, the instrumental interludes brilliantly played. Refreshingly enjoyable!