The Medici Codex of 1518 is a privately owned choirbook of motets presented by Francis I to Lorenzo de'  Medici, Duke of Urbino. One of the most beautiful manuscripts of the time, it offers and anthology of motets by the greatest composers of the Renaissance, masters such as Josquin, Mouton, Brumel, Willaert, Andreas de Silva, and Costanzo Festa.

It is invaluable for transmitting the excellent readings of the repertory of the French Royal Chapel and a number of political motets of great musical and historical interest that reflect events at the French court and are unique to this collection.

Edward E. Lowinsky presents this anthology as part of a series containing critical editions of major sources of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century music in their entirety.