When working with early music, modern performers face challenges to stylistic and historical accuracy , given limited information on past performances, as well as notable differences in available instruments, technique, and performance practice. Additionally, they must choose between different approaches that may better reflect the historical sound or intent of past performers, or choose to blend these extremes, creating varied interpretations. Such challenges manifest explicitly when modern performances attempt to recreate medieval music, such as Gregorian chants. While modern scholars have deciphered most medieval notation, chant melodies were primarily transmitted through oral transmission, while manuscripts served simply as reminders (HWM 37). Therefore, the exact manner in which these songs were sung cannot be traced. Modern iterations of songs generally preserve the tradition of employing all male voices and exude an appropriate solemnity in performance, even through complex melismatic passages intended for skilled soloists to heighten the glorification of God. Limited accessibility to period instruments from medieval times also contributes to the challenges of modern performance. However, clues to the historical practice of performance can often be found in contemporary art, such as images illustrating the use of the hurdy-gurdy, or the violin and tambourines in the instrumental accompaniment of medieval dance (WT 49) . The passages accompanying Raimbaut's works in the chansonniers also suggest that troubadour songs like his Kalenda maya are rooted in dance music, like estampie (WT 49). This type of information gives modern artists clues such as appropriate tempo and prominence of singers. In a live performance of T...... in the middle of paper...... but I laughed and talked throughout the performance, without any restraint” (WT 196-197). Historical writings like this illuminate the historical function of such performances. Modern artists can thus draw conclusions that inform their execution. In this case, for example, it can be assumed that singers of the past had to exaggerate their dramatic effect and voice to fight for the attention of their audience. Indeed, by considering the social and historical context of early music, modern performers can derive further clues about the past. performance practice beyond available scores, period instruments and knowledge of historical techniques and styles. With this knowledge, modern musicians can overcome challenges such as vague notation and lack of actual recordings to create informed, intentional performances of early music that reflect contemporary context..