Category: Original composition

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Seal Skinned One

I often find myself scared to share my music with other people. Music, if you couldn’t tell, is a very important part of my life. When I share something I compose, I feel vulnerable and as if you could simply step on my heart any time you choose to.

I’ve been trying to be less vulnerable about it. I happened to be inspired to compose a piece. I haven’t really written like this is a very long time. Sure, I write filks… those are just words. Sure, I do scroll assignments…. those are just words.

This? This -was- music. This was -my- music. This was my soul.

What makes this even more terrifying is the person I composed this for is also a composer and performer as well. I have an incredible amount of respect for them. Despite them being very close to me and knowing they would never do anything intentionally hurt me, I was still scared. What if it sucked? What if they didn’t like how I composed? We have different skill sets. We have different instruments. I was -terrified-.

This person is full of passion for selkie lore and the sea itself. I can also see the parrallels of their actual life to that of a selkie. I wanted to create a new Selkie piece. One that was not the helpless maiden. Not one where there would be failure, but partnership. So… I began to write….

I set myself an artificial deadline to have it done by so I couldn’t back out. I did test a bit of the motif out on them without them knowing (or atleast, I don’t think they knew at the time) to see if it might be to their taste. With a positive enough of a reaction, I continued on.

As I worked on it, I started to share it with friends who I felt were safe to listen to my track. I send them a voiceless midi with the sheet music. I probably sent it to a good 10-15 people to desensatize myself during the process.

This last Friday, I finished the pieces moments before (minor edits the day of, the piece itself was done the night prior). I asked them, when I saw them, when I might be able to present them with their gift and in what format.

I had done a quick recording of it day of in case they said they wanted to listen to a recording of it in private. They advised live but had some things they needed to manage first. The time came. I fumbled for my midi acommpaniment that I had also composed and played it. I was able to look up at them a few times while I was singing it to them to see if I could get a reading. I could not. They were purely listening to it.

I finished. I closed my black choral binder with the sheet music inside, covered by page protectors and waited for a reaction. They had no words. As of today, I still don’t know, but I, at the very least, know they enjoyed it.

I am no recording/mixing artist so this is likely the best you’ll all get uintil I can take some mixing/recording classes.

Seal Skinned One- MP3

Sheet Music

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Boast for Keziah Planchette, OL

My dear friend, Kiaya, was being elevated to the Order of the Laurel. She has been a peer to me in so many ways since I met her and her family. I was asked to boast her in. I asked her what type of boast she wanted. Her prompt was “Channel Ryou”. Challenge accepted. My original creation was 350 words… which… was a bit lengthy. This is what I was able to shorten it to and still have it capture their essence.

Good gentles, peers and nobles all …Behold the illustrious Keziah Planchette, Baron of Stonemarche, Member of the order of the Maunche, Member of the order of the Silver Crescent, Tygers cub, Recipient of the Consorts order of Courtesy, whose valor echoes through the annals of history! Who  stands as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times!

With quill in hand, she is swift as lightning, eye as sharp as the keenest blade. 

With brush, conjures visions of unparalleled beauty, capturing the essence of life itself! 

Keziah fearlessly defends the innocent and upholds justice in the face of adversity. Her valor knows no bounds.Therein beats a heart, overflowing with kindness and empathy. Known far and wide as a champion of the unseen. From the newest babe to the highest crown, all find solace in the benevolence of Baron Keziah.

let it be known throughout the land that Keziah Planchette is not merely a Baron, but a paragon of virtue. inspiring generations yet to come to strive for greatness and embody the virtues of bravery, kindness, and creativity. Long may her legend endure!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IPXY_KltNds%3Fsi%3D8a58oFWEHk1i_-g8
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Tyger’s Cub for Genevieve of Lochleven

There is nothing period about the way I composed this piece. However, I knew I wanted to make this scroll special for this little velociraptor. I wanted it to be whimsical and also capture who this mighty cub was. I was so lucky to work with this blossoming scribe, Octavia. Enjoy

In the Barony of Smoking Rocks, amidst cobblestone streets and whispered legends, there resides the charming Genevieve. She waltzes through life’s melodies, her heart tuned to the rhythm of society’s gatherings. With a twirl and a flourish, her laughter echoing across the lands.

Yet, beneath her graceful steps, Genevieve harbored a whimsical spirit, one that found joy in the simplest of pleasures. Amidst the bustling events, she immerses herself in finding any way she can help. Her favorite activity is tending to the children’s toybox. She makes sure no youth is left empty handed. 

But Genevieve’s kindness knows no bounds. While others revel, she slips away, sleeves rolled up, to aid in the tidying of the village square and counting points. From battles to challenges, she does this with diligence and a smile. For her, happiness lay not just in the glimmer of the dance floor but also in the warmth of community and in the satisfaction of a job well done. 

With this, we Matthias and Aesa Feillinn, Crown and Consort of the realm, with the power vested in our hands, do induct Genevieve of Lochleven into her rightful place as a member of the Order of the Tyger’s cub. We do so with joy March 2 AS 58 at East Kingdom Arts and Science Championshop.

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Silver Wheel- Trian O’Brudair

By THL Solveig Bjarnardottir

Based on Pangur Ban

Traveled wanderer, Triann, devoted Servant,
‘Tis a like task we are at;
Hunting work is his delight,
Hunting work through day and night.
Better far than praise of men
Laborious is he, his time given
Triann bears none ill-will,
He, too, plies his simple skill.
‘Tis a merry thing to see
At our tasks how glad are we,
When at large we often find
Entertainment to our mind.
Oftentimes duties will go astray
In the hero, takes arms, Triann’s way;
Oft’times with joy his songs are set
Merrily competes tasks within wide net.
‘Gainst all odds he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
‘Gainst the odds of difficulty spied
Completes all acts and duty tried.
When a job appears and then,
O! how glad has Triann’s been;
O! what gladness do we prove
When he solves the doubts you route.
So in peace our task we ply,
Triann, loyal servant, and cry;
In our arts we find our bliss,
We have ours, and he has his.
Practice every day has made
Triann perfect in his trade;
We achieve play day and night,
Turning darkness into light.
So ordered, Triann, servant sent,
A wheel placed around your neck
Order to join with hearts a-glow
Birka AS 58, with silver we do bestow
King and Queen demanded now
Placed from the hands of the crown

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Song for Corotica

*Recording forthcoming*

Pray heed to brave Corotica
Who burns with valiant flame
Gave a voice heard through the realm
Weighting words the same

Reborn in eastern mountains
High above the lands
Warrior unlike all the rest
A cryptid who demands

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Raven ringlets encompass
Eyes Sylvan and wide
Champ of arts and blade they wield
Fiercely by your side

Gathered cloths of the fabled
lands of Saxon plants spun
Coiled bands of spiraled bronze
for the chosen one

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Now rest dear Corotica
Your battles come to an end
A rose emblazoned on your heart
A kingdom you did tend

Your words spoke volumes for candor
Your deeds spoke louder than words
Cobalt tygers you did raise
Power now transferred

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

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Elevation Speech for Corotica-Rose

The Coronation of Brennan IV and Caoilfhionn IV

When I met Corotica, they had barely set foot into our kingdom and yet, it felt like they had been here since its inception. I walked into their life and they bounded into mine. They shared themselves, their art and their shoulder. I would see them soaring from working on their art to adorned in full armor as if invisible wings would carry them effortlessly, but with expediency. I saw fire in them around them. The true passion of the artist and the fire of a fighter, emblazoned in battle. The fighter that is the protectorate with the playfulness of a goblin… nay… a cryptid paladin, ready to fight for the downtrodden, the ignored and forgotten. They were ready to fight the good fight.

However, I am not here to speak of Corotica and how truly amazing of a human they are. I am here to speak of the inspiration that Corotica has bestowed. I would be remiss to only speak of my experiences. When you stand on the dias with other champions, you start to build new bonds. One of those bonds is with the person we are championed to. Inspiration is not just about words, it is about actions as well. Ryan MacWhite shares the story of an arrow. It was a super heated match, if you had not had seen it. The only noise was the sound of bows loosing and arrows making contact with the target. Ryan’s second to last arrow shattered into what felt like 1000 pieces. Only a small section survived. When the round was decided, he took the arrow fletching, which had survived, to her Excellency, Indrakshi and the tip to Corotica. He stated “This is just the first of many arrows I would break in your name”. The finals came and another arrow was shattered. This time, Ryan had presented the fletching of the arrow to Corotica to make their arrow whole, so to speak. Corotica advised how this moment of the event had made their day. Later, after safe travels home. Corotica sent a picture of the arrow parts in a vase in their home. Most folks would say “oh, a broken arrow” and throw it in the garbage but it MEANT something to them and that’s just rare and special.

I bring words from the co-populace, Lady Seigne Ruadh, Woman of the SCA, Archer, artisan and friend. Seigne spoke to me as a woman of the SCA. She spoke, with joyful tears in her eyes, of Corotica, who is female presenting. Seigne spoke of Corotica as a fighter who is a voice for women in the SCA. Corotica has  spoken out for the underprivileged genders and continues to speak out for them. Corotica has made it known that things need to change for women and those who do not fit the mold for the male gender. Corotica has spoken publically about how male presenting fighters were treated and the disparity of the treatment Corotica received when they said the same thing just a moment before. When Corotica became consort, they stated that a change was coming. That our world would change. That is influence. Seigne states “ I am not a fighter, I but am an archer and I am a woman. I think it’s really important that Corotica made it known that you need to listen to people, not a gender and I appreciate them for doing that. I was inspired to create a coat to make them stand out. I did a large documentable piece of research because they had a stunning personality, a warrior and who would appreciate a warm gift.” This is power. This is inspiration. This is the voice that Corotica has given the populace.

To all those assembled today, Corotica is a Rose with thorns. They are a defender of the weak, inspiration for the artist, muse for the warriors. They have long since been a peer. I, a member of the populace, was given a voice today thanks to Corotica. I can recommend no one more than I do them. 

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The Spark

You never know where a spark of inspiration will come from. A funny story about the humble beginnings of this song. When Wilhelm and Vienna were on the throne, I had been thumbing through some awards, writing some folks in. I had seen this one award, called the “Gold Lyre” and from that moment I decided I wanted it more than anything. I had this grand plan to compose a song about inspiration and then corner Vienna and sing it for her. This would hopefully spark her to grant me the golden lyre award. Fast forward, I chickened out. However, I still had the humble beginnings of the song.

Fast forward a few years later, I had completely forgotten about this song and it was sitting in the depths of my google drive, never to see the light of day. A friend of mine, Roiberd Mac Neil had just received his writ to join the Order of the Laurel. As part of his “In Case Of Peerage” was to have me make music. He requested that I write a song for the Laurels. He spoke about the knights having “Weight of the Chain” by Aneleda Falconbridge but he wanted something for the artists. Who was I to compose for the peers? I myself simply have AOA level awards. Aneleda is an incredible composer of whom I respect her work immensely. I couldn’t see my work standing up to hers. I, however, would do anything for Roiberd, so I agreed.

I knew what I wanted the subject matter to be, but the words just wouldn’t come out. I sat on this for months before creativity struck. I was digging through my google drive and stumbled upon the above musings. I started to write and rewrite. This went through atleast 9 revisions before I was somewhat happy. Then, the music…. the music just wasn’t flourishing as it should. I spent the next few weeks listening to some of my favorite symphonic metal, folk metal and general Euro metals bands until the melody hit me.

As the melody sank into my soul, it was time to rewrite the words yet again. Below, is the final text:

The Spark– By Solveig Bjarnardottir (MKA Ren Haywood)

All our senses spark the drive
Of A kinship for all to see
A new life blooms, breeds skill to thrive
Which ignite the flames with ease

Passing knowledge, hope all will hear
We press forward, now back to see
The growing paths becoming clearer
All our dreams run wild and free

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East

We made a path, dragged more along
Surpassing all our wildest dreams
The journey’s harsh, but you’ll grow strong
Your treasured art shines as it gleams

Spent countless hours, late at night
Just to watch each pass our skill
Climbing mountains, reach new heights
A sense of pride, is deep instilled

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East

The Recording:

Recording “The Spark”

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Words for Onana Frizzell- Lamp of Apollo

Words for Onana Frizzell- Lamp of Apollo
By Solveig Bjarnardottir
Inspired by Oedipus

Auspicious Onara Frizzell, stretch the skilled hand
The delicate digits, until they embroider and paint for us
Fine Tapestries and illuminations
Athena, Artist
Make with prism of colors upon the fabric!
Oh, amethyst virtuosa, O fine crafter of brush and needle
O Stonemarchian-Rhapso not be belittled to Nike
Inspire on and share with all you can
Come with outstretched palm as you raise
yourself and others
Baron and Baroness of Stonemarche
Keziah and Deidre, inspired by your skill
Elevate you, an order to join
Apollo, Lamp, golden bright
This Palio, Anno Societatis 57

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Words for Spyridon Tou Nkrizou Lykou- Lamp of Apollo

Words for Spyridon Tou Nkrizou Lykou- Lamp of Apollo
By Solveig Bjarnardottir
Inspired by Oedipus

What is Dionysus singing in his profound
Pytho of burgundies and brown
Until now, we were strangers to the taste
As we have been strangers to water
Could we enjoy but the fine tastes that he presents
Without knowing how refined they were
But now, friends
As we are no strangers to this land
Make this proclamation
If any person knows by whose tongue have but tasted
The brews et all
Knows the finery they share
Let it stand as promised to those before him that he too be noticed
Spyridon Tou Nkrizou Lykou, Brewer of fine beverages,
That the Baron and Baroness of Stonemarche
Keziah and Deidre, inspired by your skill
Elevate you, an order to join
Apollo, Lamp, golden bright
This Palio, Anno Societatis 57

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Demo at the New Hampshire Renaissance Faire

One of my jobs, as it has been for the past year is to serve as the Chatelaine of the Barony of Stonemarche. For the previous year, it has really just been an administrative job due to the nature of events and COVID. However, at the Aisles of Marche, I had set up a mini demo for any possible new comers to be able to see what we had besides shopping. I wanted something that was more visually pleasing than just some folks, standing around in garb and answering questions. I wanted something interactive.

For the NHRF, I started off with a new, revamped booklet, which was not as intense as what we have on the SCA website, but has some key information that a new comer would need walking into their first, second or third events.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1quyibfNwdMUSnwOxnH4hwkdgSateUS5r/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105255312117189439983&rtpof=true&sd=true

From there, I also created a form with pictures of all the main folks in the Barony, as well as the Royals. This was accurate at the time of it’s inception. This will get updated as officers and royals change.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mND-AeuMKRuFKDMQosknxJdEkfRBMiFy/view?usp=sharing

From there it was grabbing weapons, crafts, books, arts and SINGING! I cannot have an event without singing. I brought a few copies of my rounds book and as folks had time, would encourage them to sing. We also had live crafting demonstrations and board games. I picked a few of my favorite medieval board games and set them out to teach people. On the games, there was a copy of the barony and sca information as well as the rules. I figured this might be a better alternative to business cards. Also, for the hip crew, we had a QR code to scan so I could email folks directly. I know I don’t want to carry a card with me if I don’t have to.

The rest of the day I spent answering questions for new comers, herding my amazing volunteers, scheduling breaks and just having a blast welcoming new comers.