Sigismondo d'India (c.1582 - c.1629), is a shadowy figure in musical history. Pages of his music carry the subtitle "Nobile Palermitano", suggesting that might have family connections to Palermo, Sicily. It is unclear if he received a formal musical education, but even if self-taught he became known as a professional composer and singer.

Most of d'India's compositons consist of madrigals, motets, Villanelles and the selections on this recording. Some of these derive from a collection published in 1609. Interspersed by pieces by Giovanni Villifranchi (1570 - 1614), Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger (1580 - 1651), Ascanio Mayone (c.1565 - 1627), Alessandro Piccinini (1560 - 1638). Le nuove musiche also feature original poems by Francesco Petrarca (1304 - 1374) and Torquato Tasso (1544 - 1595) read in the original Italian and followed by music based on the text.

In their performance, period instrument, Le nuove musiche, are directed by Jakub Mitrik from the chitarrone. The recording is beatifully engineered by Stanislav (Stano) Paluch, who is usually found playing his violin on Hevhetia Jazz recordings!