Corten espadas afiladas

The spirited opening of this anonymous villancico immediately sets a lively, almost argumentative tone. The SATB choir is divided into sections, creating a dynamic interplay between voices that reflects the text. Set in Spanish and Latin, the piece explores contrasting ideas, from sharp words and deceitful tongues ('lenguas malas', 'lingua dolosa') to a dream of the Virgin Mary and the comfort of faith. This is secular part-music from the Renaissance, employing the characteristic call-and-response and imitative textures of the time, though with a distinct dramatic flair. The music urges the singers to cut away evil speech with sharp swords, before turning to more reflective and pious sentiments.