Does anyone need to be reminded that Titian was already a legend in his own lifetime? He recorded major 16th century figures (Charles V, Philip II, François I and Suleiman the Magnificent) in portraits, painted the enigmatic Venus of Urbino, and was a privileged witness to both great and small events of his time. His unique personal vision is ably captured by Denis Raisin-Dadre and his virtuoso colleagues. Titian, exhilarated by light and colour, plunged into a 'different' Venice; other artists, poets and writers accompanied him on his quest, which was influenced by the proximity of the East. The licentious and seductive Aretino, one of his fellow-travellers, shared a passion for music with his courtesan friends...

Doulce Mémoire's expertise in performing and recording this type of Italian renaissance music has excited admiration since their activities began 11 years ago. Particularly praiseworthy is the fact that the singers, though not Italian-born, demonstrate a felicitous sympathy with Italian prosody, metre and language. Denis Raisin-Dadre and his company seem to have an inside take on the rules that govern relationships between singing, text and 'delivery'; they also have highly sophisticated technique and a freedom of expression anchored in traditional music at their command.