The two madrigals were written 18 months apart as separate manuscripts, so that groups who perform them together have chosen the order which suits them.
The book is larger than the average madrigal collection, containing twenty-four pieces in total: ten enigmas, four madrigals and ten dialogues.
At the same time, the madrigal could also incorporate elements of the unwritten tradition.
As for the lute, its versatility as a contrapuntal instrument allowed it to accompany both improvised song and solo madrigals.
It should come as no surprise to find madrigals and motets in the same source, albeit destined for private entertainment.
The language of the villanesca is quite different from the norm in lyrical genres and the madrigal repertoire.
It is hardly conceivable that the five madrigals of the cycle were composed at different periods, especially since madrigal cycles became popular in the 1540s.
This is actually the only instance, albeit repeated, of a full authentic close in the whole madrigal.
