While I pondered about going to Wassail, I thought about how I don't yet know of a period style processional for Ealdormere. There are lots of good songs that are suitable for processionals that folks have written in the SCA, and I love them as anthems. So I endeavoured write one. This I wanted to be a Pavane we could dance to, a song we could sing to, and something that sounded as fanfarey as I could make it without sounding baroque.
I've arranged it in three parts that are close in pitch, similar to Pastime With Good Companye and other things attributed to that Henry. But also the style is somewhat French like Attaignant's Belle Qui Tiens Ma Vie Pavane. I tried to make all three parts interesting to play. I hope I achieved that in future players minds - we'll see!
At the moment, I can suggest the following dance for it. I would love to test it out soon, or perhaps you can, and let me know if it works nicely!
Here are the lyrics:
And here are some files for you to use. They are under a creative commons attribution, so use as much as you like, wherever you like, with attribution.
Wassail was indeed lovely, and innovative. It was the first feast we attempted since the return to live events, and as a "bring your own feast" it worked really well. Other highlights for me, aside from the moving elevations, were centred around playing music.
There was a nice session with Mic the Pirate, as you can see in the picture here. While we are well fed with excellent middle eastern percussionists in the society, I fear we are starved a bit for percussion during european music, and Mic did not dissapoint using my little tabor! I also had an absolute BLAST playing musical bells with Martin, Emma, and a few others. During feast was a nice opportunity for me to quietly play my 3 stringed domra, and harp, after which I was surprised and honoured to be presented with a favour from the Baroness of Septentria for doing so.
I was blessed not only to share a ride with the Baroness and Baron of Ramshaven, but also privileged to receive a scotch egg pie from the Baron himself during dinner! The event provided bread, butter, and cookies. All of this went well with the cheese, german sausage and carrots I had brought. Needless to say, I was pleasantly stuffed, as any bird should be at Wassail.
QPT brought a glow to me from the warmth I experienced there both from folks from times past, and new friends made. I want to add whatever weight I can to do this marvelous event - definitely a must stop for every Ealdormerean each year. You will always remember the magic you find there and the feelz you'll feel. Wassail to the Autocrats!
I entered a 14th century Russian Gusli (a type of Baltic Psaltery) reconstructed from extant wood fragments and accompanying documentation. Thank you to Susan Carroll-Clark (Nika) for choosing me to win her beautifully embroidered prize! I love marginalia, and perhaps unbeknownst to her, I was handing out tokens to some of my favourite entrants featuring marginalia from the hours of Joanna the Mad. So this embroidered masterpiece was a treasure-treat for me to receive, and from such an accomplished great lady!
Also thanks needs to be handed to all those who awarded their own tokens of appreciation. That was a special little haul i received that now has its own little memory box to house it. My road hosts Heather Bogart Davies (Lucia) and Penn Davies deserve a medal for putting up with my gab there and back - their generosity is legendary. Not to mention their company and shared laughter is like savouring your favourite comfort food.
I can't believe this is going in last, because she's certainly not least. Marie Danielle l'Englois , my sponsor, should be heartfully acknowledged. But you know, like the last bit of music, I hope you'll remember this one. She had such patience with me explaining how things work, and despite leading a busy life, endured read-throughs of my documentation. And she's so much fun to hang out with!
