DESCRIPTION:
September 3, 2010, Lipscomb University, Collins Alumni Auditorium

A selection from the Nashville Early Music Project's debut concert, "Crescent, Cross and Star," exploring the music of the Arabic, Christian and Jewish communities of medieval and Renaissance Spain.

Mark Godwin; lute; Duff Harris, flute; Terri Richter, soprano

The Cantigas were commissioned by King Alfonso X of Castille and Leon at the turning point of the Catholic reconquista of Spain. An immense collection of over 400 song in praise of the Virgin Mary, the Cantigas are one of the great collections of medieval music.

Between 'Ave' (Ave Maria - Mary) and 'Eva' Eve
There is a great difference.

For Eve took away from us
Paradise and God.
'Ave' put us back there;
therefore, my friends,
Between . . .

Eve did cast us
Into the devil's own prison,
And 'Ave' did bring us out of it;
And for this reason:
Between. . .

Eve caused us to lose
The love of God and good;
And then 'Ave' caused
Us to have it again, and so;
Between . . .

For us, Eve closed off heaven, with no key;
And Mary broke down
The gates by means of 'Ave.'
Between . . .