Orientis Partibus: Songs of the Age Fo St. Francis of Assisi

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Orientis Partibus
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Interpretation

The ensemble Orientis Partibus performs the music on original instruments, reflecting historical performance practices.

Compositional Technique

The motet, a musical form that became a transition to the Ars Nova, is structurally based on a tenor voice with a liturgical text, often accompanied by two other voices (motetus and triplum).

Composition History

The album includes polyphonic tropes and conducti, which were integral to the liturgy, alongside popular votive songs like carols, cantigas, and laudi.

Album & Artwork

This album, 'Gloria 'n Cielo e Pace 'n Terra', features songs from the age of St. Francis of Assisi, focusing on music inspired by and composed for Christmas.

Composition History

The Cantigas de Santa Maria, a collection of over 400 spiritual compositions about the Virgin Mary, are attributed to King Alfonso X el Sabio and date from 1252 to 1284.

Historical Context

The musical works on this album originate from France, England, Spain, and Italy, dating from between the 13th and 14th centuries.

Composition History

The Italian lauda, a votive song of secular brotherhoods, emerged from popular religious enthusiasm and used the vernacular language, drawing stylistic inspiration from secular music.