Composer

:

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantiga

Average_duration

:

4:30

The Cantiga de Santa María 1, Des oge mais quer' eu trobar', was composed by Alfonso X (el Sabio) in the 13th century. It is the first of a collection of 420 songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as the Cantigas de Santa María. The Cantigas were written in Galician-Portuguese, a language spoken in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The premiere of the Cantiga de Santa María 1 is unknown, but it was likely performed in the royal court of Alfonso X. The Cantiga is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a solo vocal introduction, sung by a male voice. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a steady rhythm and a range of only a few notes. The lyrics describe the singer's desire to compose a song in honor of the Virgin Mary, and his frustration at not being able to find the right words. The second movement is a duet between the singer and a female voice, representing the Virgin Mary. The melody becomes more complex, with a wider range of notes and a more varied rhythm. The lyrics describe the singer's devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his plea for her help in composing the perfect song. The third movement is a solo vocal conclusion, sung by the male voice. The melody returns to its simple and repetitive form, with a steady rhythm and a range of only a few notes. The lyrics express the singer's gratitude to the Virgin Mary for inspiring him to compose the song. Overall, the Cantiga de Santa María 1 is a simple and heartfelt tribute to the Virgin Mary, with a focus on the singer's personal devotion and struggle to express his feelings in song. The melody and lyrics are typical of the Galician-Portuguese troubadour tradition, with a strong emphasis on vocal performance and emotional expression.

More....