Top of page

Book/Printed Material Canticles of Saint Mary. Cantigas de Santa María

About this Item

Title

  • Canticles of Saint Mary.

Other Title

  • Cantigas de Santa María

Summary

  • There are four manuscripts of the Cantigas de Santa María (Canticles of Saint Mary): this copy from the National Library of Spain that formerly belonged to the Biblioteca Capitular in Toledo, two copies in the Escorial, and one in Florence, similar to the Toledan copy, but unfortunately missing some content. Written during the rule of Alfonso X, King of Castile and Leon (also known as Alfonso el Sabio, Alfonso the Wise), the canticles are a collection of monodic songs, in Galician language and mensural notation, in honor of the Virgin Mary. The songs, which usually were sung in church festivities, proclaim Mary's virtues and recount the miracles accomplished by her intercession. The narratives are based on facts relating to Alfonso the Wise and his family, as well as on local legends and anecdotes. Popular flavor, simplicity, and expressionism are the essential features of the songs. The latest studies have shown that the manuscript in the national library is a copy of the Toledo version that was made in the late 13th century or early 14th century. The notation has been modernized and represents a more advanced stage of musical notation produced by more skilled copyists than the system used in the Escorial codices. The manuscript contains 122 canticles but no miniatures.

Created / Published

  • [place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], [1275 to 1325]

Headings

  • -  Spain
  • -  1275 to 1325
  • -  Catholic Church
  • -  Hymns
  • -  Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint
  • -  Musical scores

Notes

  • -  Title devised, in English, by Library staff.
  • -  Original resource extent: 160 sheet (2 colors, 27 lines). Parchment, 32 x 22 centimeters. Capital and initial letters, in blue and red, decorated with features. Titles and epigraphs in red.
  • -  Original resource at: National Library of Spain.
  • -  Content in Galician.
  • -  Description based on data extracted from World Digital Library, which may be extracted from partner institutions.

Medium

  • 1 online resource.

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2021667704

Online Format

  • compressed data
  • pdf
  • image

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is unaware of any copyright or other restrictions in the World Digital Library Collection. Absent any such restrictions, these materials are free to use and reuse. Researchers are encouraged to review the source information attached to each item. For information on contacting WDL partner organizations, see this archived list of partners

The Library asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here.

Credit Line: [Original Source citation], World Digital Library

More about Copyright and other Restrictions

For additional information and contact information for many of the partner organizations, see this archived capture of the World Digital Library site from 2021.

For guidance about compiling full citations consult Citing Primary Sources.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Canticles of Saint Mary. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 1325, 1275] Pdf. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667704/.

APA citation style:

(1275) Canticles of Saint Mary. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 1325] [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667704/.

MLA citation style:

Canticles of Saint Mary. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 1325, 1275] Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2021667704/>.