Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) is recognised as one of the leading composers of vocal chamber music from the early Baroque. A famous Venetian singer and theorbo player by the age of 25, she formally launched her non-conformist career as composer with a daring public display of intellectual prowess: publishing a volume of madrigals for 2, 3, 4, and 5 singers with basso continuo. Her strong voice against the suppression of women in society and the professional arena speaks as loudly today as it did then. The Lutesong Consort presents a selection of their favourite pieces from this monumental work by a truly remarkable composer.