Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

8:58

Cantiga de Santa María 94, also known as "Da vergonna nos guardar," 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, a language spoken in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The cantiga is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct melody and rhythm. The first movement is a solo voice accompanied by a drone, while the second and third movements feature a chorus of voices. The lyrics of the cantiga tell the story of a man who is tempted by a beautiful woman, but resists her advances out of shame and fear of sinning. He prays to the Virgin Mary for help in resisting temptation and is rewarded with her protection. The music of the cantiga is characterized by its simple melodies and repetitive rhythms, which were typical of medieval music. The use of a drone in the first movement creates a hypnotic effect, while the chorus in the second and third movements adds a sense of community and celebration. Overall, Cantiga de Santa María 94 is a beautiful example of medieval music and a testament to the devotion of Alfonso X to the Virgin Mary.

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