This is a pioneering recording, and a major addition to the discography of Iberian music of the 16th century.  Flecha is known, of course, for his lively ensaladas, a number of which have received many recordings. 

His madrigals, however, I would venture to guess, are known to far fewer people.  The surviving copies are in Munich and Vienna, and they have been overlooked as performing material by both Spanish and foreign groups.  Flecha’s style is – by comparison to those ensaladas – extremely Italianate, recalling not only Lassus, but also Gabrieli and other composers of the “new madrigal”. The texts Flecha chose include poems by Petrarch, Bembo and Ariosto, plus one of his own in Italian, Animo invitto and another (the only one) in Spanish, also probably of his authorship.

The Nova Lux Ensemble, drawn from the Pamplona Chamber Choir, is characterized by great richness of timbre, so that it can count on its nine members both as fine soloists and as a well-blended choir.  For this recording they are effectively but discreetly accompanied by the harp of Marie Bournisien. This is an essential disc for anyone interested in Iberian music of this period. IVAN MOODY