The Krasinski Library manuscript (Kras 52) which now belongs to the National Library in Warsaw constituted the most important source of polyphonic music in Poland in the early 15th century. It was created probably in Poland between 1426 and 1450. and contains 37 pieces written in the black mensural notation. The composers featured in the manuscript include Nicolas of Radom, Johannes Ciconia, Estienne Grossin, Nicolas of Ostrorog, magister Egardus, Antonio Zachara da Teramo, Nicola Zacharias, Peter Sweitzl as well as anonyms. Most of the compositions are instrumental and vocal pieces for three voices with Latin texts. They include such liturgical pieces as Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Alleluja and Magnificat, and a smaller number of secular songs and ballads.
The manuscript constitutes a typical example of the finest music of Italian, French and Burgundy origin, and contains important Polish pieces form the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
Polish music is represented in the manuscript by Nicolas of Radom (nine pieces) and Nicolas of Ostrorog (two pieces) with texts by Stanislaw Ciolek. This record encompasses the majority of the pieces contained in the manuscript. They have been arranged and interpreted by the ensemble ARS NOVA. For over twenty years members of the ensemble have focused their interests on such musical pieces seen as an inexhaustible source of beauty and inspiration. No. 8 on this record constitutes an incomplete piece by Nicolas of Ostrorog located in the Wielkopolska region reconstructed by Jacek Urbaniak.
Selections:
1. Johannes Ciconia - Regina Gloriosa - 4'16''
2. Johannes Ciconia - Gloria - 2'40''
3. Magister Egardus - Gloria (wersja instrumentalna) - 4'58''
4. Etienne Grossin - Credo - 6'10''
5. Etienne Grossin (?) - Bez tytulu - 4'16''
6. Anonim - Maria en mitissima - 3'41''
7. Antonio Zaccara da Teramo - Gloria Ad ogni vento (wersja instrumentalna) - 5'26''
8. Mikolaj z Ostroroga - Gloria - 3'20''
9. Mikolaj z Ostroroga, sl. Stanislaw Ciolek (?) - Pastor gregis egregius - 3'32''
10. Mikolaj z Radomia - Ballada - 3'53'' -
11. Mikolaj z Radomia - Gloria - 2'25''
12. Mikolaj z Radomia - Hystorigraphi (wersja instrumentalna) - 4'35''
13. Mikolaj z Radomia - Credo - 2'19''
14. Anonim - Salve, thronus Trinitatis (wersja instrumentalna)- 1'35''
15. Anonim, sl./text Stanislaw Ciolek, tl. Jacek Urbaniak w/g Tadeusza Sinko - Chwala Krakowowi ! - 4'29''
16. Anonim - Breve regnum - 2'42''
