Search - Hillier, Tindemans, Kammen :: Cantigas From the Court of Dom Dinis

Of all the musical forms and traditions, the song--a text with a melody and rhythmic structure--is the most enduring. Its adaptability to every language, subject, and social and economic group, as well as its portability has assured its presence to virtually every aspect of human life. From songs, we gather valuable information about the people of a particular time and place. This recording features a fascinating variety of songs associated with the court of Dom Dinis, who not only was a troubadour, but beginning in 1279, was the king of Portugal. These songs, ably sung and played by baritone Paul Hillier and his Theatre of Voices group, reflect some of the more popular troubadour themes--love, lust, and courtship, satirical stories and life parables--and contain lyrics both vulgar and eloquently poetic. --David Vernier