goigs

A religious, narrative song relating the life of the Virgin Mary or a saint, commending him or her with the care of believers. Usually in the Catalan language in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, in either Catalan or Castilian in the Valencia Region, and in Sardinian in Sardinia. Sung on the day of the patron saint and on significant occasions in community life. Sung multipart in numerous localities, according to the various two or three part options described under cantar a veus. The rhythm often follows the giusto syllabic model. The versification of this genre is in stanzas of eight lines, the last two acting as the chorus. There are also humorous and satirical goigs. [EXAMPLE – TRANSCRIPTION 4]