The contrast between the religious and the secular music of the late Renaissance and the early baroque era is the basis of the programs of the ensemble MUSICA FIORITA. Special emphasis is put on the juxtaposition of vocal and instrumental music.

"If we play French and Italian music in the same concert, it occurs regularly that we all arrive with several instruments. The sound of my Italian harpsichord is direct, present, and even a little explosive, the French one on the other hand has more overtones and sounds a little perfumed. An ideal instrument for the many small trills."

Some decades ago, the music of the high baroque was the starting point for a new movement in the practice of early music. Later on the interest changed to the music of the Renaissance, then to the music of the Middle Ages. Today the classical and early romance period take center stage.

"I love to spend time in libraries and to hold old books in my hands. The greatest joy for me is to find a forgotten or an unknown composer. If I look at a manuscript, I pay close attention to the harmonies and the rhythm - are they interesting? - and to the relationship of the individual voices to each other. That shows me immediately if I have found a jewel."

On the other hand, the 17th century has remained unknown in many respects. However, the music from that time - and most particularly that from Italy - is characterized by great originality, boldness and freshness. This turns performances into truly musical experiences.

"When we meet for rehearsals, we work around the clock. We discuss, we try out, reject, sometimes we argue, then we eat an Italian meal, and we relax. It is sumptuous and baroque. And not at all aseptic."

The repertoire, the instruments and the basso continuo of MUSICA FIORITA take the most current movements in the practice of early music into consideration. The sound of the ensemble is characterized by the cornet - at that time probably the most popular instrument -, then by the transverse flute and a variously occupied basso continuo, consisting of theorbo, lute, harp, psalterio, baroque cello, viola da gamba, harpsichord and organ. In addition, the ensemble attaches great importance to the true-to-style, richly ornamented song of the time. This is reflected in the name MUSICA FIORITA: "fioritura" is an old Italian expression for ornament.

"Fiorita means flowering, our music is flowery. On paper, it often looks quite dry, then we begin to improvise and ornament. That is Musica fiorita."

The members of the ensemble originate from different countries and they all met during their studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.

"Since we are all from the same school, we speak the same musical language. Therefore, we know that the lute makes an ornament here and that the violin embellishes freely there. And even if it sounds differently every time, this does not surprise us: we simply listen to each other. We make early music, because we are awake."

The harpsichordist Daniela Dolci leads MUSICA FIORITA.