The medieval vocal works on this recording-most of which are world-premiere recordings-come primarily from Swiss monasteries and cathedrals. They were composed in the 13th and 14th centuries, an era in which spiritual and secular power were virtually inseparable. Switzerland's religious communities maintained close ties with the major cultural centers of the time and their musical innovations. In Paris, the intellectual center of the 12th and 13th centuries, outstanding figures were active, including Philip the Chancellor (c. 1160-1236), one of the greatest scholars of his time. It is precisely this connection between European exchange and local tradition that defines the special character of the Swiss sources gathered here: St. Gallen, Lausanne, the Abbey of La Maigrauge, and the Basel Song Manuscript were explored by the singers of the Ensemble RESONEZ and recorder player Marie Verstraete through exciting musical testimonies of that era.