The flutes used in this recording are reproductions of 13th-century instruments, including the medieval pan pipes (frestel), transverse flute, double recorders, and shepherd's reeded flute.
Composition History
The most important document for Martín Codax's cantigas, the Pergaminho Vindel, was discovered in 1914 by librarian Pedro Vindel, hidden within a 14th-century manuscript.
Cultural Impact
The 'cantigas de amigo' are significant because they are among the first instances where a female voice expresses the passions and pains of love in poetry.
Compositional Technique
Martín Codax's seven cantigas belong to the 'cantigas de amigo' genre, where a woman addresses a man, expressing distant longing and loneliness.
Composer Biography
Martín Codax, an early minstrel of Galician-Portuguese heritage, was likely active around the mid-13th century during the reign of Afonso III of Portugal.
Interpretation
Vivabiancaluna Biffi, the performer, chose to tackle monody for this album, finding it to be one of the most complex repertoires despite its pared-down quality.
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