Musica Ficta (Spanish ensemble)

Musica Ficta is a Spanish early music ensemble dedicated to the performance of polyphonic music from the Renaissance, with a particular emphasis on Spanish and Latin American repertoire. Founded in 1992 by its director, Raúl Mallavibarrena, the ensemble has established itself as a leading interpreter of this musical period.

The group's name, "Musica Ficta," refers to the practice in medieval and Renaissance music of adding accidentals (sharps, flats, or naturals) to written notes that are not explicitly indicated in the score. This practice was often done to avoid dissonances or to create smoother voice leading. The name reflects the ensemble's dedication to understanding and accurately performing the nuances of early music.

Musica Ficta is known for its rigorous research into historical performance practices, striving to present music in a historically informed manner. This includes careful attention to aspects such as pronunciation, ornamentation, and temperament.

The ensemble has toured extensively, performing at major early music festivals throughout Europe and the Americas. They have also released a number of critically acclaimed recordings on labels such as Cantus Records, often featuring previously unrecorded or rarely performed works. Their repertoire includes music by composers such as Cristóbal de Morales, Francisco Guerrero, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Juan de Anchieta, as well as lesser-known figures.

Musica Ficta's commitment to historical accuracy and its dedication to exploring the richness of Spanish and Latin American Renaissance polyphony have earned them a distinguished reputation in the field of early music.