The CD delves into the technique known as diminution, which flourished for several decades toward the end of the 16th century, primarily in Italy. As Peter Söderberg explains in the liner notes: “Diminution consists of subdividing the long note values of a vocal model into short ones in a solo instrumental part, laying the foun-dation for virtuosic ornamentation. Diminutions on a solo instrument were often performed in conjunction with the vocal piece, performed by an ensemble of singers or instrumentalists (colla parte). But the vocal model—usually a chanson, madrigal, or motet—could also be adapted for a solo instrument that allowed for polyphonic playing, usually a keyboard instrument or, as in this recording, a lute.”