Alta estava la penya

This TTB setting of a Spanish secular villancico comes from the Renaissance. The text describes a high cliff and the flowers that grow there, evoking a natural scene. Alta estaba la penya, naçe la malva e nella, which translates to 'The cliff was high, the mallow is born in it,' sets a pastoral tone. The composer is anonymous, as is common for many villancicos of this era. This piece would be suitable for a choir looking for a short, evocative work in Spanish, with clear vocal lines that bring the natural imagery to life. It offers a glimpse into the secular song tradition of the period.