Composer

:

Anonymous

Average_duration

:

3:20

'Non sofre Santa Maria' is a medieval Galician-Portuguese cantiga de amigo, composed by an anonymous poet and musician. The cantiga is believed to have been written in the 13th century, during the reign of King Alfonso X of Castile, who was a patron of the arts and literature. The cantiga is a monophonic song, which was originally performed by a solo singer accompanied by a stringed instrument, such as a vihuela or a lute. The song is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of six lines, and a refrain that is repeated after each stanza. The text of the cantiga is written in Galician-Portuguese, a medieval language that was spoken in the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula. The theme of the cantiga is the lament of a young woman who is separated from her lover. The woman addresses the Virgin Mary, asking for her help and protection, as she suffers from the pain of love. The refrain of the cantiga, "Non sofre Santa Maria, que eu non sofra tam ben" (Santa Maria does not suffer, as I suffer so much), emphasizes the woman's sense of isolation and loneliness. The melody of the cantiga is characterized by a simple and repetitive structure, with a narrow range of notes and a slow tempo. The singer's voice is accompanied by a drone, which creates a hypnotic and melancholic effect. The use of the vihuela or lute adds a delicate and intimate quality to the performance, enhancing the emotional impact of the text. 'Non sofre Santa Maria' is one of the most famous and beloved cantigas de amigo of the Galician-Portuguese tradition. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it has been performed and recorded by numerous musicians and ensembles, both in traditional and modern interpretations. The cantiga is a testament to the enduring power of medieval poetry and music, and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.

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