Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is our prototype for the universal genius: painter, architect, military engineer, anatomist, his far-ranging scientific curiosity placed him centuries ahead of his time. He was also a fine musician who, according to Vasari, “sang divinely, improvising his own accompaniment on the lira”. On this CD, the world of Leonardo is given a musical perspective with a carefully chosen selection of pieces by the finest composers of the day. Inside, Hugh Griffith provides explanatory notes on his life and musical environment.

The Naxos Art and Music series presents the composers active during the lives of the leading painters and sculptors, setting a musical context to their work.