Anonymous sequence from the Las Huelgas Codex (c. 1300) from Anonymous 4's recording Secret Voices (2011; harmonia mundi 807510). Duration: 2' 58.
This cheerful liturgical song was sung by the 12th-century nuns of the royal convent of Las Huelgas, in north central Spain.
The medieval sequence (sequentia) is a part of the Proper of the Mass, following the Alleluia and is characterized by a double-versicle structure (1a-1b, 2a-2b, etc. for any number of stanzas). They were written in great numbers, for the highest feasts, as well as for the lowliest local saints. With a few exceptions (e.g., Victimae paschali laudes, Dies irae), most of them were expunged in the 16th century by the Council of Trent.
We sing this piece a step lower than notated. Feel free to sing this work, and any work from this time period, at whatever pitch is comfortable, and allows the lyrics to be clearly articulated.
We have also added the extra foot of rest [bracketed] at the end of each half verse.
Score includes translation and performance notes.
