The Squarcialupi Codex is an extensive, lavishly decorated manuscript of the Italian Trecento and was compiled around 1410. The manuscript contains works by twelve composers – including Francesco Landini, Giovanni da Cascia, Jacopo da Bologna, and Lorenzo da Firenze – and presents them in chronological order.

On this CD the ensemble palatino87 celebrates these extraordinarily complex but outstandingly beautiful pieces. Moreover, a great many catchy songs are heard – some poetic, others powerful – for the first time in recorded form. The ballate, cacce, and madrigale offer a colourful picture of cultural life in noble and upper-class circles of the Italian Trecento.