Among the 427 Cantigas de Santa María by Alfonso X the Wise (1221-1284), written in Old Portuguese (Galician-Portuguese), preserved in the four codices of the 13th-century royal scriptorium, 32 Cantigas feature narratives and protagonists from Portugal. Many are illustrated with beautiful miniatures in the codices of the period, making this work particularly appealing for dissemination through current digital communication networks.

The locations of the stories are the Portuguese cities: Lisbon, Chelas, Alenquer, Santarém, Leiria, Nazaré, Porto, Guimarães, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Neira, Évora, Elvas, Estremoz Monsaraz, Terena (Alandroal), Arronches, Beja, Moura, Odemira, Silves and Faro.

Nineteen of these cantigas are previously unpublished and are presented here for the first time ever recorded, sung with their full text. The other thirteen cantigas, previously recorded for our Anthology of Cantigas, are presented here in abridged or instrumental versions. This four-CD album contains the complete collection of Portuguese cantigas.

Eduardo Paniagua, winner of the 2021 MIN Classical Music Award, once again hits the mark and remains at the forefront of early music with this musical creation. Christian music is in vogue, especially when it consists of authentic melodies from the Middle Ages. It is released on the Pneuma label (www.pneumamusic.es). “Northern Portugal,” “Central Portugal,” “Sanctuary of Terena,” and “Alentejo and Algarve” are the titles of the four discs in this treasure trove of songs from Spain's musical heritage, hidden until now.