Described as ‘the first German song book’, Das Lochamer Liederbuch (The Locham Song Book) is one of the earliest collections of German songs and instrumental compositions, assembled in the 1450s. This recording includes a representative selection of monophonic and polyphonic songs ranging in mood from tender love songs such as Der wallt hat sich entlawbet, to blessings for the changing seasons (Der winter will hin weichen / Der Summer) and dance songs. The instrumental versions are performed on long neglected and reconstructed instruments from the late Middle Ages such as the dulcemelos, the name of which means ‘sweet melody’ or ‘sweet sound’.