Mya Senhor Velida: Medieval Lais & Cantigas from France & Spain;

This fascinating program features 12th and 13th century music for the Virgin Mary, as sung by medieval troubadours. Central theme is Courtly Love, in its profane, carnal manifestation and in its divine, spiritual manifestation. The music originates from Galicia and France, and is sung in "Lais" and "Cantigas", long narrative compositions consisting of stanzas and variable verses. The first Lai that opens this recording is titled Plainte de la Vierge au Pied de la Croix, in which the Virgin Mary speaks in the first person at the foot of the cross, lamenting her fate in strong theatrical language.

The "Cantigas de Santa Maria" is a collection related to the court of King Alfonso X, featuring the miracles that the Virgin Mary has done to the King and others seeking her divine help.

Malandança is a Spanish group specializing in performing Spanish medieval music. The musical instruments used are scholarly reproductions of those depicted in sculptures on the Portico of Glory at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and in sculptures on the corbels of the Xelmírez Palace, Santiago de Compostela.