CODEX CALIXTINUS

CODEX CALIXTINUS is a musical work inspired by the medieval manuscript of the same name, a 12th-century treasure that collects liturgies, miracles, stories of conquest, and the famous Pilgrim's Guide. This composition, commissioned by the Oliveira Music Band for the Ecos do Caminho project, recreates the essence of the Camino de Santiago and its spiritual, historical, and musical legacy through its five parts. Each section of the work corresponds to one of the five books of the codex: Book of Liturgies, Book of Miracles, Translation of the Body to Santiago, Conquests of Charlemagne, and Pilgrim's Guide. All the music in the composition is inspired by the medieval chant "Dum pater familias," one of the most representative pieces of the Liber Sancti Iacobi, where the historic cry of walkers resounds: "Ultreia e suseia," an expression of encouragement and overcoming that still accompanies those who walk the Camino de Santiago today.