Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

10:14

The Cantiga de Santa María 180, Vella e ninya, is a medieval song composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. It is part of a collection of over 400 songs known as the Cantigas de Santa María, which were written in Galician-Portuguese and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Cantiga de Santa María 180 tells the story of a young girl who is transformed into an old woman and then back again by the Virgin Mary. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement begins with a lively instrumental introduction, featuring a melody played on a medieval stringed instrument called a vielle. The vielle is accompanied by a percussion instrument known as a tambourine, which provides a rhythmic pulse to the music. The first movement is characterized by its fast tempo and lively melody, which evoke the joy and excitement of the young girl's transformation. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more somber melody played on the vielle. The tambourine is replaced by a softer percussion instrument, such as a frame drum or a pair of finger cymbals. This movement represents the old woman's sadness and despair at her transformation. The third movement returns to the lively tempo and joyful melody of the first movement, as the Virgin Mary transforms the old woman back into a young girl. The vielle and tambourine return, and the music builds to a triumphant climax as the girl is restored to her youth and beauty. Overall, the Cantiga de Santa María 180 is a beautiful example of medieval music, with its distinctive instrumentation, lively rhythms, and expressive melodies. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to tell stories and evoke emotions, even across the centuries.

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