Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

6:24

Cantiga de Santa María 257, also known as "Ben guarda Santa María pola sa vertude," is a medieval Spanish song composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. The song is part of a collection of over 400 songs known as the Cantigas de Santa María, which were written in praise of the Virgin Mary. The Cantiga de Santa María 257 was composed in Galician-Portuguese, the language of the troubadours in medieval Spain. The song tells the story of a man who is saved from a dangerous situation by the intervention of the Virgin Mary. The man is traveling through a forest when he is attacked by a group of robbers. He prays to the Virgin Mary for help, and she appears to him, scaring off the robbers and saving his life. The Cantiga de Santa María 257 is a monophonic song, meaning that it is sung by a single voice without accompaniment. It is written in a simple, repetitive melody that is easy to sing and remember. The song is divided into three sections, or movements, each with its own melody and lyrics. The first movement of the Cantiga de Santa María 257 is a simple melody that sets the scene for the story. The lyrics describe the man traveling through the forest and being attacked by the robbers. The melody is repetitive and easy to sing, with a simple rhythm that emphasizes the words of the lyrics. The second movement of the Cantiga de Santa María 257 is more complex, with a faster tempo and more intricate melody. The lyrics describe the man praying to the Virgin Mary for help, and her appearance to scare off the robbers. The melody is more dramatic and emotional, with a sense of urgency and tension that reflects the danger of the situation. The third movement of the Cantiga de Santa María 257 is a return to the simple melody of the first movement. The lyrics describe the man's gratitude to the Virgin Mary for saving his life, and his promise to always honor and praise her. The melody is peaceful and calming, with a sense of resolution and gratitude. Overall, the Cantiga de Santa María 257 is a simple but powerful song that tells a story of faith and salvation. Its repetitive melodies and simple lyrics make it easy to sing and remember, and its message of gratitude and devotion to the Virgin Mary has resonated with audiences for centuries.

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