The Cantigas of Santa Maria of Alfonso X

Medieval ensemble is a modern performance genre devoted to the historically informed presentation of European music from the Middle Ages (roughly the 9th–15th centuries). Ensembles typically employ reconstructed period instruments (vielle, rebec, lute, harp, psaltery, hurdy‑gurdy, organetto, recorders, shawms, bagpipes, frame drums) and historically grounded vocal techniques to render chant, monophonic song, and early polyphony. Repertoire commonly spans sacred and secular traditions: Gregorian and other plainchants; Notre Dame organum and conductus; ars antiqua and ars nova motets; laude and cantigas; troubadour/trovière songs in Occitan and Old French; and instrumental dances such as estampies, ductias, saltarelli, and caroles. Performances prioritize modal pitch systems, medieval rhythmic practice (modal rhythms, isorhythm), open-fifth sonorities, and language authenticity (Latin, Occitan, Old French, Middle English, Galician‑Portuguese).