From the far court of King Alfonso el Sabio - King Alfonso the Wise, comes this cantiga de Santa Maria: A que por muy gran fremosura, or, The Monk who Painted Mary's Name in Three Colours.
For Her great beauty, a very devout monk who lived long ago always painted Santa Maria's name in three colours - blue, gold and rose. The monk fell gravely ill, and his brothers sat with him. One night Santa Maria herself descended to the monk, and brought him safely with her to heaven. This great miracle was witnessed by one of the brothers. And so is this known to us in far lands today.
Who is King Alfonso X, who causes this story and song to be remembered for a thousand years? King Alfonso X was born in 1221 and died 1284. He was king of Galecia, Castille and Leon, from 1254 until his death. King Alfonso X is famous for creating a muti-cultural court. Jews, Muslims, Christians - all were welcome. He enouraged learning. Many Arabic and latin works were translated into Castille at his court. He was a scientist and astronomer, and spnonsered the development of the Alphonsine Tables. The Alphonsus Crater on the moon is named for him. Warrior, scholar, player on the world stage, King Alfonso was also a poet and composed in medieval Galecian - the language of love and poetry.
During his reign, King Alfonso el Sabio spent decades composing and sponsoring le Cantigas de Santa Maria. Oral stories were collected and set down; songs composed; melodies collected and also composed. All in all there are 420 cantigas celebrating Santa Maria, written in medieval Galecian. The manuscripts have been preserved in Spain and are available in translation and as tune settings for contemporary instruments.
Many thanks to Vicente La Camera Marino for introducing me to these amazing works! The arrangement here of c384 is based on Vicente's work. The intro is my own. These songs are, as Vicente put it, an enigma. And so very beautiful. For our scholars - any mistakes in interpretation are purely my own. This arrangement is played on a 32-string Celtic harp, built in Seattle, USA, by Dusty Strings.
The painting of two harpers is open stock, and therefore used with permission. The collection of Cantigas de Santa Maria also include truly lovely paintings in miniature, and illuminations. This painting of two harpers is one of them. The artist is not known by this trobairitz. To the far away composer - King Alfonso el Sabio or another... thank you.
If this song sounds slightly celtic, there is another interesting story. Galecia is known by some folk as one of the celtic nations. At music festivals one may hear bagpipes being played. A rich and diverse culture influences the sound of the Cantigas de Santa Maria.
Enjoy!
Valerie Wedel
6 окт 2024
