Alfonso X El Sabio, also known as Alfonso the Wise, was not a musician in the conventional sense but was the King of Castile, León and Galicia during the 13th century (reigning from 1252 to 1284). While the releases mentioned above seem to suggest a modern artist, they are actually works attributed to Alfonso X's patronage. He was a patron of literature and the arts, and his most famous contribution to music is the "Cantigas de Santa Maria," a collection of over 400 songs in Galician-Portuguese, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Cantigas are one of the largest collections of monophonic songs from the middle ages and are notable for their musical and poetic richness.

Each "cantiga" is a narrative song that depicts various miracles of the Virgin Mary or offers praises to Her. Alfonso X's court was a significant cultural hub in medieval Europe, drawing scholars, poets, and musicians from many regions. Despite not being a composer himself, Alfonso's support for art and culture, and his deep influence in the musical compositions of his time, positioned him as a pivotal figure in the history of Western music. The recent releases in his name generally comprise modern recordings and interpretations of these medieval works, continuing to celebrate Alfonso X El Sabio's legacy in the contemporary era.

Genres

Early Music

Early Music Ensemble

Medieval

Musica Antigua

Latest Release

Tres Cantigas

Alfonso X El Sabio

Single - Released January 26, 2024