This unique and, in some respects, revolutionary programme offers a new approach to the Early Italian Renaissance frottola repertoire. First of all, the solo performance with voice and viola d’arco, that cantare alla viola (‘singing to the viol’) which Baldassare Castiglione, in his famous Book of the Courtier (1527), indicated as the ‘more welcome’ way of performing a sung text.

Secondly, the frottole have been selected and put in order forming a miniature opera with a Prologue, three acts, and Epilogue, shedding new light on the origins of opera. A charismatic figure, VivaBiancaLuna Biffi is engaged in an intense solo activity and is regular partner of some of the leading Early Music performers such as Jordi Savall, Pierre Hamon and Brigitte Lesne.