American Record Guide (September/October 2005)

La Villanella Basel is an ensemble of five performers. According to the well-written liner notes, they focus on music from the transition between the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This is a performance of five female composers from this period, some nearly lost to history, others with more visibility. Despite the extremely oppressive view of women that dominated European thought in this period, some women in the higher reaches of court life, especially in northern Italy, achieved a certain amount of status for musical and compositional abilities.
This is fascinating music, and it is easy to get lost in the moment and enjoy this beautiful performance. All of the elements of this transition period — rich polyphony, dance music, flowing monophonic music — are evident here, and with each listening it is easier to discern the style and voice of each composer.
The group deserves high praise for this performance. Heike Pichler-Trosits, soprano, sings with the clarity and simplicity this music needs. The rest of the group is just as capable.
Anyone who wants to investigate an important transition period in music history — it just might alter your perspective on the early baroque — should by this, and anyone who appreciates beautiful music and great musicianship will be pleased with it.

Chaffee