Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:11

The Cantiga de Santa María 34, "Gran dereit' é que fill' o demo por escarmento," was composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. It is part of a collection of over 400 songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as the Cantigas de Santa María. The premiere of this particular cantiga is unknown, but it was likely performed in the royal court of Alfonso X. The song is written in Galician-Portuguese, the language of the troubadours of the time. The cantiga is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a narrative that tells the story of a man who made a pact with the devil. The man promised to give the devil his soul in exchange for wealth and power. However, the man eventually repents and turns to the Virgin Mary for help. The Virgin Mary saves him from the devil's grasp and the man is able to live a virtuous life. The second movement is a refrain that praises the Virgin Mary for her mercy and compassion. The refrain is repeated throughout the cantiga, emphasizing the importance of the Virgin Mary in the lives of the faithful. The third movement is a moral lesson that warns against making deals with the devil. It emphasizes the power of the Virgin Mary to protect and save those who turn to her in times of need. The Cantiga de Santa María 34 is characterized by its use of repetition and rhyme, which make it easy to remember and sing. It also features a simple melody that is easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, the Cantiga de Santa María 34 is a powerful testament to the faith and devotion of the people of medieval Spain. It is a reminder of the importance of turning to the Virgin Mary in times of trouble and the dangers of making deals with the devil.

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