In 1600, the musical avant-garde was based in Italy, where this large-scaled work was one of a handful groping at a new means of expression based on clearly set, simply accompanied words rather than counterpoint and its attendant complexities. Music of the time was not issued in neat editions; much depends on the knowledge and imagination of the performers, and Vartolo"s forces provide, apart from strong singing and narration, stunningly imaginative use of instruments. The work, somewhat more than a cantata, somewhat less than an opera, opens with a spoken discussion (in Italian) between Awareness and Prudence that sets out the philosophical premises later commented on by soloists and chorus in music that still can speak directly to us. --Paul Turok