Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantiga

Average_duration

:

3:36

Cantiga de Santa María 139, Maravillosos e piadosos, was composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. It is a part of a collection of 420 songs known as the Cantigas de Santa María, which were written in Galician-Portuguese and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Cantigas de Santa María are considered one of the most important collections of medieval music. The premiere of Cantiga de Santa María 139 is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in the royal court of Alfonso X. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is characterized by a lively and joyful melody, with a fast tempo and a strong rhythm. The lyrics describe the miracles of the Virgin Mary, who is praised for her piety and compassion. The melody is accompanied by a variety of instruments, including the lute, the harp, and the tambourine. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more somber melody and a more subdued rhythm. The lyrics describe the suffering of the Virgin Mary, who is depicted as a mother mourning the loss of her son. The melody is accompanied by a single instrument, the vielle, which adds a mournful and melancholic tone to the music. The third movement is a return to the joyful and lively melody of the first movement, with a faster tempo and a more complex rhythm. The lyrics describe the triumph of the Virgin Mary over evil and the power of her intercession. The melody is accompanied by a variety of instruments, including the lute, the harp, and the tambourine. Overall, Cantiga de Santa María 139 is a beautiful and complex piece of music that showcases the skill and creativity of Alfonso X (el Sabio). The song is a testament to the power of music to express complex emotions and ideas, and it remains a beloved part of the medieval musical tradition.

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