Aneleda Falconbridge

December 19, 2013December 19, 2013

Christmas Music of Days Long Past

length: 7:51 min | download size: 11.3mg

Please feel free to download it! Merry Christmas!

For Rainilt (Lee Ann Posavad) who wanted Christmas music….

I did not record anything new, but I DID go and look up the recording of last Christmas morning’s preludes and offering hymns from Christmas morning 2012. They are all very old carols accompanied by Kevin Birch at the beautiful Hook pipe organ at St. John’s Catholic in Bangor.

The songs are sections of :

This Endris Night (15th century)
The Carnal and the Crane (Child Ballad 55, believed to be much older than its first text)
Personent Hodie (1582 from the Piae Cantiones)

and the whole of the

Heuron Carol (c.1650).

November 19, 2013November 20, 2013

Period Songs I Can Sing

I started to think about period music I know and period music I’m learning.
For my own brain, I decided to make a list. And figured that here is as good a place as any to keep it.

Period Songs I am Working On Currently (though slowly!)

Robin Ma’maime: Adam de la Halle, 13c
A l’entrada del tens clar: Anon, 12c
Douce Dame Joile: Guiamme de Machault, 14c
Reis Glorious: Guiralt de Bornelh, 12c
Prendes I Garde: Guilame d’Amiens, 13c
Or La Truix: Anon 13/14c
Kalenda Maya: Raimbaut de Vaqueiras, Southern French, c. 1155-1207
Ja Nus Hons Pris: Richard the Lionheart, written 1192 – 94 (And my contrafact “Neuer Ye Yeve Away” to this same tune)
Winder wie ist: Neithart von Ruenthal,12c
C’Est la Fins: Guilame d’Amiens, 13c

(These are mostly in French, which I do not speak, and so the words are extra slow going. I am also working to be able to accompany myself on my big psaltery harp or gothic lyre since they’re likely instruments similar to what a solo singer might have had at her disposal. I’m quite in love with the sound and feel of this music, and will be working toward learning them as well as I know my handful of beloved Middle English songs.)

Period Songs I Can Sing Upon Request

Sumer is Icomin In: Anon.,part-song from the 12 th century
Antiphon for the Virgin (Cum Erubureint): Hildegarde von Bingen, early 12th century
I Have a Younge Sister: Middle English lyric/ based on the John Flegel arrangement
Maiden in the Moor Lay:* MS Sloane 2593. c. 1430.
The Herne:* anon 14c/ Breton tune
Sainte Nicholas, God is Druth (Hymn to St. Godric): St. Godric of Finchale, also called St.Nicholas (c. 1070-1170)
Where the Bee Sucks: words Shakespeare “The Tempest” / tune Robert Johnson, late 16th century
Pass Time with Good Company: Henry VIII, early 16 th century
All in a Garden Green: anon/John Playford’s collection “The English Dancing Master” 1651
Three Ravens: Ravenscroft, 1611
Amirilli Mia Bella: Giulio Caccini, 1614

Songs That Only Are Fun With Other People (Rounds etc)

Three Blind Mice: Ravenscroft 1609
Round of Three Country Dances in One: Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
John Kiss Me Now: Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
Hey Downe Downe: Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
Hey Ho, Nobody Home: Anon.,round collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, late 16 th century
I Am Athirst: Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
Hot Mutton Pies (anon)
Banbury Ale Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
New Oysters Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
Joan Glover Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
To Portsmouth Collected by Thomas Ravenscroft, 1609
Hey Ho to the Greenwood
We Be Three Poor Mariners: Ravenscroft
Of All The Birds: Ravenscroft
Lady Come Down and See: Ravenscroft
Come Follow: John Hilton (17c)

Songs Which I Can Perform from Music and/or Lyric Sheets

Worldes blis ne last no throwe: Middle English
Miri it is while sumer ilast: Middle English
Blow Northern Wind: Middle English
Alison: Middle English
Byrd one Brire: Middle English, Camb. King’s Coll. MS Muniment Roll 2 W. 32r
Victime Pascale Laudes (Easter Sequence): 1200, Wippo of Burgundy
The Rules of the List: Chant, Gregorian mode, c.1350 😉
Ah Robin, Gentle Robin: William Cornish the Younger, d.1523
Blow Thy Horne Hunter: William Cornish the Younger, d.1523
O Lusty May: Anon 16c
Wir Zogen In Das Feld: Landschneckt marching song, 1540
Matona Lovely Maiden: English “translation”, Orlando di Lasso, c. 1532-1594
Mon Coeur Se Recommande a Vous/My Heart is Offered Still to You: Orlando di Lasso, mid 1500s
The Northern Lasses Lamentation to the tune Goddesses ; or, The Unhappy Maids Misfortune : John Playford’s collection “The English Dancing Master” 1651;
Farewell Adeiu (to the tune of Selliger’s Round) : Anon.
Country Man’s Delight (to the tune of Selliger’s Round) : Anon.
Young Men and Maids (to the tune of Selliger’s Round) : Anon.
Oh Mistress Mine: text Shakepeare, Twelfth Night: Act II, Scene 3; tune Anon.;
Greensleeves: Anon. first mentioned in 1580
When Joan’s Ale Was New: Anon. 1594
Come Again Sweet Love : John Dowland 1597
Can She Excuse My Wrongs : John Dowland 1597
Now is the Month of Maying : Thomas Morley 1595
Oh Lusty May : Anon. c.1550
Jack and Joan: Thomas Campion
I Care Not For These Ladies: Thomas Campion
Fair if You Expect Admiring: Thomas Campion
Fine Knacks for Ladies: anon/tune Dowland c1600.

Period Yule Music With Sheet Music

The Carnal and the Crane: Child 55, noted in the Oxford Book of Carols as having medieval origin
This Endris Night: 15th-century
Personent Hodie: Melody from Bavarian manuscript (1360), Lyrics from Piae Cantiones 1582
The Old Year Now Away Has Fled (Greensleeves): English Traditional, From a Black Letter Collection, 1642, Ashmolean Library, Oxford
To Drive the Cold Winter Away: Anonymous, before ca. 1625
Dona Nobis Pacem: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1500s
Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind: Shakespeare/Goddesses
Get Ivy and Hull: words Thomas Tusser, 1558, tune traditional
Gaudete: Piae Cantiones of 1582
A Carol Bringing In the Boar’s Heed: Lyrics by: Wynkyn de Worde 1521
Good King Wenceslas: tune “Tempus Adest Foridum” (“Spring has unwrapped her flowers”) “Piae Cantiones” of 1582 lyricsJ.M. Neale, 1853
In a Manger He Is Lying: Polish Carol, 16th Century
Lo How a Rose: Es Ist Ein Ros, 15th Century German carol, Michael Praetorius, 1609
In Dulci Jubilo: Heinrich Suso (ca. 1295-1366) “In Dulci Jubilo,” 14th Century German melody
There Comes a Vessel Laden: Andernach Gesangbuch, 1608
Covertry Carol, Luly, lulay: Robert Croo, 1534. (The Coventry Plays are recorded as having been witnessed by Margaret, Queen of Henry VI, as early as 1456, by Richard III in 1484, and by Henry VII in 1492.)
Tommorow Shall Be My Dancing Day: date in question. The New Oxford Book of Carols suggests that the song was originally part of a medieval Mystery Play.
Wassail Wassail: Gloucestershire Wassail, traditional English, some verses believed from the middle ages
Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella: French Provençal Carol by Émile Blémont; French Tune adapted by Seguin from Charpentier (late 1600s)
I Saw Three Ships: John Forbes’ Cantus, 2nd. ed, and is also known as “As I Sat On A Sunny Bank”. It probably dates from the 16th century.
Riu Riu Chiu: Mateo Felcha the elder, Spanish Traditional, 16th Century
The Old Year Now Away Has Fled: Words: English Traditional, From a Black Letter Collection, 1642, Ashmolean Library, Oxford; Tune, Tudor traditional “Greensleeves”
Hey Ho Nobody Home: Traditional Round, Thomas Ravenscroft, published 1609
Veni Emmanuel / O Come, O Come Emmanuel: 15th Century French Plain Song melody; Some sources give a Gregorian, 8th Century origin

November 4, 2013January 6, 2014

Love Conquers All – The Lay of Brennan and Caoilfhionn

This song was inspired by the deed day of my friend, war-brother, protector, Brennan MacFeargus on the day he became first, Sir Brennan, and then Prince Brennan. His love for his lady Caoilfhionn* and family served as his inspiration (for good reason – they’re wonderful) and so in return for her long love, he made her Princess Caoilfhionn. That is totally worth singing about.

We watched the day dawning.
Deep blue turned to gold,
On the road to the tournament
To witness history unfold.

There she sat beside him;
They laughed, then laughed more.
She would stand with arms open
to watch her tyger roar.

for
Love fights the good fight.
Love raises the sword.
Love holds up the banner.
It holds back the horde.
Love cares for the broken.
Love avenges the fall.
Love elevates the simple.
It elevates us all.

A crowd was assembled;
The sun now burned bright.
Tears with cheering mingled
as his red belt turned to white.

Rose then our Sir Brennan
As his pretty Caoilfhionn shone.
In this, as in every other thing,
He would never be alone.

The new Knight paced, ready.
He entered the list,
Gave honor to his lady
From whom all honors exist.

He took down his opponents.
’Twas hard to best his sword.
His resolve seemed to double
With each look from his adored.

The autumn sun was waning
when the final battle came.
Determined to give her this,
He fought now for her fame.

It ended on a heart’s beat.
His children with joy danced!
He set a crown upon his lady;
All who saw it were entranced.

Love fights the good fight.
Love raises the sword.
Love holds up the banner.
It holds back the horde.
Love cares for the broken.
Love avenges the fall.
Love elevates the simple.
It elevates us all.

In one day a knight – a prince –
Crowned true love with gold.
Love lead all the virtues,
for in it others must enfold.

None forget the moment
As the stars did rise that fall
When Eastern prince and princess proved
that love could really conquer all.

We will do this together.
Our love elevates us all.

____________________________________

* prounced Kee-lynn

November 3, 2013July 13, 2015

Chivalry Scroll for Sir Brennan

HWAET!
Hear hall-men of brave Brennan,
Bring him before bear-armed blade-brood.

To his Kyng,                   kneeled at calling.
Fearless fought,             that MacFergus.
Born of sword            the warrior traveled
All he met                         allowed great praise.
All respected                        regent, peasant
king, queen, kin,              bard, and brothers.

Girded guardian                 great in actions
Family-fierce,                      esteem is earned
at the haudin,                      by the barmkin,
dirk is ready                         for the realm.

Boldly boast I of Brennan.

Solid stood                           valorous tyger
Honored for                         great courtesy
Keen combat                     keeps his kinship
Champion                      of strong chieftains
Weighty work                 bore his body,
Answered he                     when courage called.
From loyalty,                    swore his mentor,
Deft desire                          gave him promise,
Well-refined                       tenacity.

Rare treasure                    find in this man.
Of the hoards                  in the war-chest
Poets see                        none so golden,
Nor liege lords,              nor great ladies
None rich as                    ring-bright Brennan.

Heed the wolves’           silver howling
In the night                      calling kinsmen.
Chivalry                      now come, gather
For your pack                  needs this voice.
All ages shall                    bear in mem’ry
Regal day of                       elevation.
No blood spilled              yet red was shed
Bound by belt                    bled in whiteness
Noble gold                          inspired proudly,
Simple chain                     now marks man’s measure.
This is his                       arrhae splendor,
Raise the quaich           drink his honor.
All within                       say now Slàinte.

With his hand                    Kenric oath-signed
Blessed it too                      Avelina.
Promised arms                   patent lettered
Sable,                                    two wolf’s heads
couped close                        respectant argent,
a base checky                      sable, argent
augmented                           a sinister canton
Or a tyger                           passant azure.

On the day                            of crown contest
Fighting day                         to name their Heirs.
Fitting day                            for such acclaim.
Brothers stood                     for Sir Brennan.

Samhain pass’d               by one sun rise
We have mark’d           ending summer,
Two-years ‘till                     half-century
In history                          of Society
In long-hall                       Carolingian.
Remember                         great ones gathered
Where you were           as Brennan rose
Knelt a soldier            and a squire-man
Stood a son                        of Chivalry.

To the stones may it be told.
Swear to truth all have seen it.

Swear do we Eastern chieftains.
Kenric Kyng Avelina Cwene

________________________________________________

This is the text of the Scroll of Chivalry for Sir Brennan MacFeargus, who I am proud to call friend. When I was King’s Bard, he bore the burden of protecting me from grievous harm on the field (“You may die, but you won’t die-die,” I remember him saying.) It was he who helped tape the purple and gold banner to my spear. It was he who helped arrange all manner of things. Since then he, and his lady, have become part of my SCA family.

I read this in the morning, and after Brennan was knighted, I hugged him and said, “Brother, I am so happy that this morning I am reading your words as you are knighted, and tonight I will see you become Prince of the East.” He laughed…..then.

We all laughed later through our cheering as Sir Brennan became Prince of the East that same day and made his beautiful wife, my friend Caoilfhionn, Princess of the East.

Reading back, the scroll does have this prophetic sound to it. Weren’t bards considered magical in some Celtic cultures? (grin!)

Rock. Star. Day.

(arrhae – 13 silver coins given to the minister or priest by the groom as part of the wedding ceremony. In any situation something given to bind a bargain between parties. Haudin – home, house, holding. Quaich ~ ancient drinking cup with two handles and used with both hands. Slàinte ~ (slawn-cha), health, salvation; barmkin ~ a Medieval defensive enclosure found around smaller castles, tower houses, pele towers, and bastle houses in Scotland. As well as the residence, outbuildings were also included, plus a place to protect livestock during cattle raids. From the Roman barbican, meaning an outer fortification of a city or castle. Kirkhope and Smailholm are castles on the Scotttish borders that had a barmekin. )

October 24, 2013October 24, 2013

Three Blind Mice – then and now

We’re all pretty familiar with Three Blind Mice, or at least we think we are. We sing this little ditty in elementary school and it’s largely a play song for children.

Three blind mice.
Three blind mice.
See how they run.
See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life,
As three blind mice?

But the original version is far stranger…

Three Blinde Mice,
Three Blinde Mice,
Dame Iulian,
Dame Iulian,
the Miller and his merry olde Wife,
she scrapte her tripe licke thou the knife.

Believed to have been written (not merely collected) by Thomas Ravenscroft, it was published in his 1609 Deuteromelia or The Seconde part of Musicks melodie.

TRIPE SCRAPING! KNIFE LICKING! This stuff is MADNESS!

From http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/ravenscroft/modern/

I’ve done quick recordings to illustrate the sound difference. First, here is the modern one:

Three Blind Mice – Modern Version

And here is the Ravenscroft version (which I’ve come to like better! It must be the tripe scraping. Must be.)

Three Blind Mice – 1609 Ravenscroft Version