He who places his hope on thee, O Virgin all-glorious, will prosper in all he does.

Inscription on Byzantine coin during reign of Romanus III



Thursday, July 17, 2008

Dolor, Pianto, E Penitenza

Pain, Lamentations, And Penitence

This is the song of the death procession, which made its debut in Florence's Carnival in 1511. It was innovative and not especially appropriate given its somberness in the midst of a festive atmosphere. I came across its performance by the Huelgas Ensemble while I was studying the annihilation of the Cathars in the Albigensian Crusade.

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