Alfonso X, the Sage, King of Leon and Castile (1252-1284), was born in Toledo on 23 November 1221 and died in Seville on 4 April 1284.

 

Married in 1249 with Violante de Aragon, daughter of Jaime I, the Conqueror, he had ten legitimate children. He also had an illegitimate daughter (with Maior Guillen de Gusmão), D.Beatriz de Castela, who came to marry D. Afonso III, king of Portugal, father of D. Dinis.

 

He promoted cultural activity and was an excellent poet in Galician-Portuguese ancient language.

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To him it is due the compilation of the "Cantigas de Santa Maria", songs of Holy Mary, lyrical work, written in Galician-Portuguese, common language to great part of the lírica iberica of XIII century. It is attributed, no doubt, at least 10 of the 427 songs belonging to this religious songbook but there are references, not confirmed, to which he may have written about 100 songs.

 

By choosing for themselves the name of this Castilian monarch the Alfonsinas Voices, in fact Vozes Alfonsinas, contribute to help perpetuate the memory of such an important author and promoter of universal music.

 

 

 

 

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