The Sibyls were women of ancient times with the gift of prophecy. From the Middle Ages, these figures and their myths were interpreted in a Christian light and placed on a level with the Old Testament prophets. They were a favourite motif in the visual arts during the Renaissance: the best known are Michelangelo's Sibyls in the ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, which also adorn the cover of this CD.

The twelve-part motet cycle 'Prophetiae Sibyllarum' was composed during Orlando di Lasso's early period at the Munich court under Duke Albrecht V. The Duke commissioned his young, promising court Kapellmeister to write several extended cycles of works and prohibited their publication, thus making them the sole property of the Munich court. This "musica riservata" was performed for a select audience and is noted for its great compositional skill and sophisticated Latin texts – in this case referring to Christmas events. In an unconventional manner, Lasso often places extreme harmonies next to each other in order to enhance the expression. It was only six years after Lasso's death that the 'Prophetiæ Sibyllarum' was published for the first time.

The Vocalconsort Berlin supplements this half-hour work with more motets of Lasso, also associated with Christmas celebration.