The first track is the Lament of Ariadne by Monteverdi. This is very much an operatic piece with a quiet instrumental accompaniment to a highly operatic vocal solo. The text is a lament of the Cretan princess seemingly abandoned by her lover. The second is an interesting "mad woman" lament with the madness conveyed through "hysterical" laughter. While interesting in it's own right as a lament, it is more interesting as an early example of madness in music. The third lament, written by a woman, is based on a historical event. This is a solid piece of Baroque music. The composer of the next piece served as musician in a Jesuit college. The subject of the lament of Mary Queen of Scots. This piece is the most dramatic of the album but with a decidedly religious sound. The next piece is a lament of the Holy Mother, The instrumental accompaniment is subdued, leaving the emphasis to the text which is well performed.