Around 1600, a gradual paradigm shift began to take place in Italian music. The greatest possible attention was now paid to the expression of the text in music, which allowed for a particularly contrasting representation of emotions. At the same time, the genre of solo singing accompanied by basso continuo became established. These pieces were called "motetti" (sacred) or "madrigali" (secular), depending on their purpose.

This CD offers a selection of such Italian monodies from the 16th and 17th centuries, with representations of the Virgin Mary forming the central theme, which also led to the title of the programme. Keyboard compositions by Girolamo Frescobaldi serve as introductions and transitions and present the timbres of the wonderful organ of the Silver Chapel in the Court Church in Innsbruck, an authentic voice from the time of the recorded music. Two pieces by Francesca Caccini and Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger are being recorded for the first time on this CD.