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At first glance one might assume that Josquin’s “In te domine speravi” is a non liturgical devotional song. However, it was composed for the Cardinal of Ascanio in an attempt by Josquin to extract payment for his services. I don’t know if it worked, but it is clever since it uses bits of text from the Psalms mixed with the local Italian so as to shame the cardinal.

The piece is a good example of the popular type called “frottola.” These pieces were in Italian with simple harmonies. They are attractive pieces and remain popular with early music enthusiasts today.

The recordings were made at 4’ pitch, where SATB recorders play.