Date:
Late 15th century (appears in the Cancionero de Palacio, dated approximately 1490–1520)
Description:
“La Tricotea San Martin la vea” is a playful and satirical three-part song attributed to Alonso de la Plaja, found in the Cancionero de Palacio. The piece is a Spanish adaptation of a French song documented in the early 15th century. Its lyrics mix Romance languages and invented words, creating a humorous and bawdy character. The song was likely sung in taverns and among soldiers, reflecting the jovial and irreverent spirit of the time.
Discussion:
The piece exemplifies the caccia genre, characterized by imitative counterpoint and a lively, dance-like rhythm. Its nonsensical lyrics and repetitive structure suggest it was intended for communal singing and entertainment. The song’s inclusion in the Cancionero de Palacio indicates its popularity in the Spanish court during the late 15th century.
Composer:
Alonso de la Plaja
Arranged by:
Various modern ensembles have performed arrangements of this piece, including performances by early music groups.
There are two arrangements here, 1 by Bojo Pigeon and the other my Katherine Davies
Sheet Music:
Available in Renaissance music anthologies and collections such as the Cancionero de Palacio.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf(kd version), pdf(bp verion) or musescore(bp version) file
Parts:
Three voices (Cantus, Tenor, Contratenor)
Type:
Renaissance vocal piece (caccia)
Language:
Mixed Romance languages with playful, invented words
Ranges:
Moderate vocal ranges suitable for amateur singers
Advice for beginners:
Focus on rhythmic precision and clear articulation of the text. The imitative structure requires attention to timing and ensemble coordination. Practice with a steady beat to maintain the lively tempo.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, cantus, tenor, contratenor