Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

13th c.

Average_duration

:

03:20

Cantiga de Santa María 265, Sempr'a Virgen santa dá bon gualardon, is a medieval Spanish song composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. The song is 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 Cantiga de Santa María 265 tells the story of a knight who is saved from drowning by the Virgin Mary. The knight had been riding his horse near a river when he was suddenly swept away by the current. As he was about to drown, he called out to the Virgin Mary for help. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and saved him from drowning. In gratitude, the knight composed this song in her honor. The Cantiga de Santa María 265 is a monophonic song, meaning that it is sung by a single voice without accompaniment. It is written in the Galician-Portuguese language and is composed of four stanzas, each with six lines. The song is characterized by its simple melody and repetitive structure, which is typical of medieval music. The premiere of the Cantiga de Santa María 265 is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in the court of Alfonso X (el Sabio) during the 13th century. The song is part of a larger collection of songs, the Cantigas de Santa María, which were composed by Alfonso X and his court musicians between 1257 and 1283. The Cantigas de Santa María are notable for their use of vernacular language and their focus on the Virgin Mary as a source of divine intervention. The songs were intended to be performed in the court of Alfonso X and were likely used as a means of promoting the king's religious and political agenda. Overall, the Cantiga de Santa María 265 is a simple yet powerful song that reflects the religious and cultural values of medieval Spain. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

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