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One of the richest sources of medieval music is the 13th-century Spanish collection of songs known as the Cantigas de Santa Maria (Songs of Holy Mary). Compiled by King Alfonso X, these songs represent a fascinating variety of nonliturgical tunes and poems that tell us a great deal about life in the Middle Ages. Most of the songs express love, reverence, and praise for the Virgin Mary and include stories of miracles she performed. Reflecting the popular traditions of the French troubadours, the melodies are expressive, lyrical, and easily singable, and often show a lively rhythmic structure. Other tunes are more improvisatory in nature. The members of Sonus are expert musicians who give each song its own flavor by appropriate choice of voice and instruments, which includes soprano voice, recorder, shawm, harp, chitarra, oud, and a variety of percussion. The very attractive program also includes poetry and songs from another collection, Cantigas de amigo, and a lovely piece from the famous convent at Las Huelgas. --David Vernier