Presented by longtime HPPR contributor Debra Bolton, Cantigas de Santa Maria explores a glimpse of this vast (420 compositions) repertoire of poetry, songs, stories, and recitations about the “Blessed Virgin Mary”.

The immense collection of Mariology came from the Court of King Alfonso X (1252-1284) of Castile (now Spain). You'll hear the songs and stories as interpreted by historians, musicologist and musicians, playing on period and modern instruments. Listen for the complex themes and musical surprises of the Cantigas de Santa Maria.

Sources:

• The definitive book on King Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa Maria  and his use of poems, songs, and art pieces to teach his kingdom morals.  Jessica Knauss, Ph.D., brilliantly, explores life in 13th Century Castile-Leon, now Spain, under the rule of the Learned King.
  

  

• Website for Oxford Cantigas de Santa Maria database  http://csm.mml.ox.ac.uk/?p=intro

•  A book that illustrates the plates important in telling the story of Las Cantigas de Santa Maria.  The pictures are also important in illustrating musical venues and types of instruments being played.