Songs by Oswald von Wolkenstein, Monch von Salzburg

Redeemer, is closely linked to that of the virgo immaculata, the pure, intact virgin, seen by Christian theologians as thee role model for the medieval woman, and it was the inexplicable mystery of the Virgin Birth that fired the imagination of believing poets and musicians, giving rise to numerous, mostly anonymous Marian songs – especially in the 14th century and later – treating and varying their subject-matter in language that was generally very rich in imagery and symbolism. “Popular” songs with simple words and music are found alongside examples of highly artificial poetry and composing technique.