Happy feast of St. Michael! I'm celebrating in true Early Music Monday fashion with this piece by Richard Dering!
"There was silence in heaven when the dragon fought with the Archangel Michael"
Musicians of the Tensho Embassy
Kudos to my friends in Lyracle for their excellent research and sensitive handling of this incredible story!
Victoria Regina caeli
It's not Easter, but I came across this gorgeous "Regina caeli" setting, and can't wait to get more polyphony back in my life!
Her Story
I hadn't heard about Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy (and I bet you hadn't either). Let's talk about why!
Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy
Usually I give some teaser before I introduce a person, but this one surprised me entirely - how did I make it all this time without learning about her? And why have I never heard something she's composed? Read, learn, listen, and program!
Robert Fayrfax
This musician was a major influence on Tallis and Taverner, served both Henry VII and Henry VIII, and in 1520 led the Chapel Royal in the state visit to France known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Also, Eton Choirbook composer! Meet Robert Fayrfax!
Emendemus in melius
Some days (all days?) just need gorgeous polyphony!
Medieval Repertoire in the 18th Century
Hot on the heels of me giving someone the quick version of "how to medieval music"**, this awesome video from Early Music Sources takes a dive into the troubadour repertoire, recounting a lot of the same process I walked someone through this morning!
**I make transcriptions of and coach people on the music of Hildegard von Bingen! Hit me up for all your neume-learning, medieval-interpretation things.
Christ lag in Todesbanden - Hammerschmidt
Courtesy of my friend and colleague Liza Malamut and Incantare, today's Early Music Monday is this gorgeous setting of "Christ lag in Todesbanden" by Andreas Hammerschmidt!
The Judgement of Paris
Somewhere in English music history between Purcell and Handel, John Weldon won a competition for his setting of "The Judgement of Paris". Never heard of it? (I hadn't). Now you have!