La Baxa Danza Y La Alta (Siglos XV-XVI)

Released in 1975 under the Hispavox label, La Baxa Danza Y La Alta (Siglos XV-XVI) served as a scholarly exploration of Spanish Renaissance music. The album was produced during a period when the Pro Musica Hispaniarum ensemble, directed by Roberto Pla, was dedicated to the revival and historically informed performance of Iberian musical heritage. It specifically focuses on the courtly dance traditions of the 15th and 16th centuries, contrasting the 'baja danza'—characterized by slow, measured steps—with the 'alta danza,' which featured more vigorous, athletic movements suitable for outdoor or informal settings.

The ensemble aimed for an authentic auditory experience by utilizing period-appropriate instrumentation to capture the modal harmonies and rhythmic structures typical of the era. The selection draws from foundational manuscripts and composers associated with the Spanish Golden Age, such as Luis de Milán and Luis de Narváez. Upon its release, the recording was well-regarded among musicologists and aficionados of early music for its commitment to archival precision and its role in documenting the bridge between medieval traditions and the emergence of the Renaissance style in the Iberian Peninsula.