Battaglie e banchetti musicali del XIV-XV e XVI secolo VOL. 3

Released in 1984 under the Ars Nova label, this volume belongs to a series dedicated to preserving the vocal traditions of the Italian Trecento through the Renaissance. The project sought to capture the visceral energy of 'battaglie'—programmatic vocal works simulating military conflict—contrasted with the refined textures of courtly banquet music. By selecting a repertoire that spans three centuries, the production team aimed to demonstrate the evolution of polyphonic composition and secular choral performance in Italy.

The recording features I Madrigalisti di Genova, an ensemble recognized for their specialized approach to early music interpretation. Their performance style emphasizes clarity and historically informed phrasing, intended to highlight the intricate counterpoint typical of the madrigal form. Upon its release, the record was positioned primarily for academic libraries and early music enthusiasts, serving as a pedagogical tool to bridge the gap between late medieval dissonance and the emerging tonal sensibilities of the late sixteenth century.