Ooops…. they let me have my own episode
A whole new world!
Pennsic is a home for many people who may not be as active in the SCA as they’d like to be. For those who are ridden with anxiety, even this town of 12,000 humans who inhabit here for up to two weeks can be a safe haven. For some, it can also be a place where dreams come true and things you would never have done can be realities… so also, dreams coming true.
This was Pennsic #2 for me. Riding solo but still having a group to camp with has been amazing. Mermaid’s song is a group of Bards and Fencers and yes, there is crossover. I arrive and set up my tent hastily. I made a new friend as we had new camp mates. Atilla was kind and welcoming and helped me set up my tent, hastily as, in true Solveig fashion, I have overbooked myself and I don’t really know how to say “no” yet. I’m working on it. With that, I was off to my first Pennsic experience for the year.
Hastily dressed I ran up the hill (Yes, that hill. I live in the bog) to the amphitheater. There was a non-English concert set up to happen. Sadly, there were no spectators, but I think that it made it less of a concert and more of a song sharing session. There were familiar faces and new faces. One face I had seen at this gathering was Heather Dale. For those of you who don’t know Heather, she is an SCA super star and professional touring artist with 20 CD’s available for purchase. It’s like meeting Robert Downey Jr. or any large Hollywood legend. I had met her previously the year before as I was part of Drake Oranwood’s concert which opened for Heather. I didn’t expect her to know or remember me as it was just a glance meeting, but low and behold, like a normal person, she greeted me, said hello and *gasp* remembered my name. I’m terrible with names. Clearly, she was not. I tried to withhold my awestruck words and tried to treat her as a normal person. I -believe- I succeeded. It was eventually my turn and I chose not to sing my best pieces. This was a chance to show languages. I pulled out an old piece I really should memorize.
by Ludwig Senfl (1534, German)
Es Warb Ein Schöner Jüngling
Es warb ein schöner Jüngling
über ein breiten See.
um eines Königes Tochter,
nach leid geschach ihm Weh.
Ach Elselein liebes Elselein mein,
wie gern wär ich bei dir!
So sein zwei tiefe Wasser
wohl zwischen dir und mir.”
“Das bringt mir grossen Schmerzen,
herzallerliebster Gsell.
Redich von ganzem Herzen
Habs für gross Ungefäll.”
Hoff, Zeit werd es wohl enden,
hoff, Glück werd kummen drein
sich in alls Guets verwenden,
herzliebstes Elselein!”
Once there was a handsome young man
from across a wide sea.
Pursuit of a king’s daughter
led him to great sorrow.
“Oh Elselein, my dear Elselein,
how I long to be with you!
But there are two deep waters
between you and me.”
“That brings me great pain, my
dear friend.
I say wholeheartedly this is
great misfortune.”
“Have hope that time will end this.
Have hope that fortune will change.
Have hope that all else will fall into
place, beloved Elselein!”
The rest of the first evening was pretty low key afterwards. Bird the Bard and I spent the rest of the night singing into the hours.
Day 2! Saturday! Low key day as well. Several months prior to I had been asked if I would sing at the East Kingdom/Midrealm invitational Bardic. This was -HUGE-. This is a display of the best/up and coming Bards the kingdoms had to offer. There was no competition involved, just performance. It was certainly quite the show. I had chose to do Amarilli, mia Bella. This piece has a lot of emotional attachment to me as it’s a piece of music I have been doing long before the SCA.
Amarilli, mia bella, Amaryllis, my beloved,
Non credi, o del mio cor, Do you not believe
dolce desio, Sweet desired one,
D’esser tu l’amor mio? That you are my love?
Credilo pur: Believe only this:
e se timor t’assale, And if fear assails you,
Prendi questo mie strale Take one of my arrows
Aprimi il petto. Open my breast
e vedrai scritto in core: And see written in my heart,
Amarilli, Amarilli, Amarilli Amaryllis, Amaryllis, Amaryllis
è il mio amore. Is my beloved.
Guilio Caccini (1551-1618). Composed in 1602 and the text was by Alessandro Guarini . Written before the development of the pianoforte (which was invented in 1700), “Amarilli, mia bella” was meant to be accompanied by the lute, which lends it a particularly intimate and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Even the words evoke an earlier time—the line, “Prendi questo mie strale” (take one of my arrows) evokes images of bows and arrows. Any performer of “Amarilli, mia bella” will want to sing with a hushed sotto voce (soft singing) throughout with exquisite legato phrasing.
Who decided that waking up prior to 12 on a Sunday was a good idea!? Oh wait… it was the best time for people to meet. ***SIIIGHHHH**** It was time for the EKCOP annual Pennsic meeting. Honestly, I think it was a really constructive meeting. I’ve been the deputy Chatelaine for almost a year now and It was really nice to see how our work has been going and what people had to comment on it. At this meeting I was nominated for Chancellor. I, however, was floored seeing the unanimous vote for my nomination. I know I really care about this group and making performance a safe and tangible place for others, but I never thought my work had gone this noticed. The rest of the day was spent celebrating other delightful musicians such as Cedar Barefoot and the Queen’s Bard, Laila (celebrating her birthday).
Monday was spend rehearsing for our concert on Wednesday and Pirate debauchery at night. Bird has spent many years as a Shantyman. I have always enjoyed a good shanty, but have never thought much about singing them. I was a bel canto singer. We sing pretty. Shanties are for the rough and tough pirates and seaman!!! (Get your head out of the gutter). However, I felt like getting out of my comfort zone. Roll the Old Chariot Along was my song of choice and belting was my game. Mind you, belting is -not- my forte, but the belting muses hit me in the face like a sack of flour. WHOA where did that sound come from!!!!??? I was elated that my voice was continuing to mature. For those of you who don’t know, you go through several vocal puberties during your life. The bigger and darker your voice is, the longer it takes to mature. Mine, according to my voice teachers from college, would be done around age 35. Joy! I digress.
Tuesday was more laid back… I think. Around 11 or so, Bird and I climbed up the brewer’s road hill, filing everyone’s favorite past time song, “Baby Shark”, to motivate us in the intense sun. We eventually made it to our family gathering where the Bard Yard could just relax and enjoy each other’s company. My Laurel and all connections to her, have become some of the most supportive and people in my SCA life. I’ve talked about brain weasels before. They continue to persist. Having a family like this as a performer is essential for building that skin up. I wouldn’t change anyone in this group for the world. Later that night, Bird and I had donated a concert to the royal travel fund. We made our way into the camp of the winners. It was a very “dry” setting despite the alcohol freely flowing. Everything from period pieces to ruckus was performed for an hour. I’m not sure how I felt about this, but I was later told that it was enjoyed. Sometimes, it’s nice to just perform and not peacock. Getting to sing/perform your non forte pieces is a relief sometime.
Wednesday! Oh man. This. This is what you’ve all been waiting for! This would be the day when we would strut all our stuff. I say we, because Bird and I were inseparable this whole war. It started with a very prestigious performance. We had been invited to perform at queen’s tea. That is the big time. Only the “right” performers got to do that. It’s a very specific setting where you are background, not the center of attention. To be invited to perform for this meant you knew how to be unobtrusive, appropriate and a good performer. Bird and I also used this as a warmup for our concert…. Which was 2 hours after. The pieces performed will be discussed after. We were presented a few tokens from attending queens and thanked for our service. It was super magical. It really felt like I was a hired performer in ye olde times… despite some of the modern accouterments. From there, off we went to present, for the first time ever “Song Byrds”. Originally this was supposed to include Collete la Trouvere, however, life happened, and it was just Bird and I. We spent a good amount of time trying to break the concert in to 3 sections that would compliment one another. The first was all period pieces, the second was SCA appropriate/Filks and finally original compositions.
Below is the concert in it’s entirety. Enjoy!
This was the best week of my life, filled with so much song. I regret not being able to perform at the Opera dell’est concert as my voice was shot from the war, but I do not regret having all the opportunities to sing. This only fire up my need to perform more, but I made more connections and started digging for more repetoir!
On an unrelated note, I did meet up with a super amazing lutenist and got to jam to some Dowland with her.
Sweet hats and bling, so says my Laurel Sister.
I don’t even know where to begin about K and Q Bardic, yesterday. Parts of it were a blur, however, I cannot express how much my community means to me. I suppose I will start at the very beginning. I hear it’s a good place to start.
This is my 3rd year competing in K and Q Bardic. I never try to say ” I am going to win”, instead, I set smaller goals and achievements. It makes everything less stressful.
The evening before I stayed at the home of the amazing Sarah Byrd. She, as the day I met her 2 years prior, was full of kindness, warmth and a immense hospitality. I was unaware she had any staff duties at the event, meaning her hospitality was even more elevated.
The next morning I was fed and coffee’d… as Bards typically do -not- wake up before 11. It’s cruel and unusual punishment. This was heaven in a cup and plate. Sarah, Aegir and I dressed and walked the long and rigorous 4 block walk to site. We were greeted on our way by planned parenthood supporters (while we were in full garb), and wished them well as they stood for hours, in the cold, defending what they believed in. They asked where we were off too and we explained we had a competition just up the road. They cheered us on and off we went.
At site, we have a super secret delivery to a vigil and made that first priority before getting in the correct head space for the day. I talk about head space because as a performer, if you do not connect with yourself in the appropriate way for the day, it could cause your performance to suffer. I originally had a plan to perform “Twa Corbies” the Scottish “parody” of Three Ravens by Thomas Ravenscroft. However, I was unable to find detailed enough documentation to make it fit the day. So, with that said, 2 weeks prior to the competition, I decided to change it out for a much newer piece in my repertoire. I changed the piece to Depairt, Depairt, by Alexander Scott (See below for documentation). It took a while to settle in to my body. This was not my original piece and I was have problems coming to terms with it. However, over the two weeks I took to focus on it, I felt it in my soul.
Round 1) I was the 4th performer to go (out of 19). I do not envy anyone who has to go early in the rounds. It can be very unnerving. I was however blessed to follow two story tellers and a song that was very different from my own style. This allowed me to set the stage for my own unique performance style. I opened up and out it came. I have no regrets starting with that piece. I only regret not singing out as much, but perhaps that is what allowed me to really open up. I sat the rest of the time, listening to each performer with their own unique performance. I was moved by several. When the round was over, I went to almost every single performer and presented them with my token and a genuine compliment. If you had read my last post, I have made it my mission to become more open about telling people about the talents they posses and not addressing anything negative at any point. I wanted people to enjoy their day as much as possible.
Between rounds I was introduced to a newer performer in the area who had won the novice day prize. I spoke with her at lengths about her passions and listened to what she had to share. I offered any assistance I could and encouraged her to come out to the event next weekend, which would be a friendly performance space. She also had mentioned she wanted to complete but was intimidated by not having enough rep. My friend and I both reassured her she should compete and if she needed help, we would help her find some.
I have made it to round two every year so far. This was good news. The competition for round 1 was super fierce. When I heard my name called I was relieved that I could at the very least continue this tradition. I went second in round 2. Again, I don’t really like going to close to beginning, but with the field narrowed down to 9, I wouldn’t have too much of a choice. I had a piece that Aegir and I really enjoy singing together and in the car. It’s a Ladino piece called “La Prima Vez”. (More on Ladino below) It is possibly period, however, because Ladino was only prominently around for such a short period of time, we cannot document that this piece was indeed period. It’s pretty enough and the emotion is universal. At some point during the performance, the lights went out for a few short moments. I don’t recall it much as I was in the midst of performance, but I don’t remember even hearing a gasp. The lights went back on and I was still going.
Round two was probably the best I have ever seen in my performance career in the SCA. I took my time afterwords trying to re hydrate (Just in case). I spent the time between the announcements speaking with fellow friends and mentors. Speaking to my fellow performers and sharing our experiences today. Planning more shenanigans in the future. No matter the outcome today, more music to come!!!
The finals: I was surrounded by my family! My friend, Phillipe who I had met the year prior, who inspires me with his flare for the dramatics, his composition and his genuine kindness. Margretta (I can’t make the symbol to spell her name correctly… I guess I’ll figure it out eventually) who is my big sister. I wear her apprentice belt from Sabine. She is amazing in everything she does. She is dedicated to the music and the panache it deserves. She is who I aspire to be when I grow up! And finally Laila, new friend who I just met at Coronation of Wilhlem and Vienna. She met making music. We have connected and have been working on an opera company together. We have been planning to make more music. THIS IS MY FAMILY. There is no losing no matter what.
For the finals, we were challenged two fold. 1) To compliment the person who would be performing after you. This was no challenge, because I love all these people dearly. 2) To perform a piece that embodies kindness.
I didn’t hesitate more than a moment before picking my piece. I walked over to my Laurel and I showed her what I wanted to do. She agreed full heartily to it and so I ran into the hall for my “10 minute” prep time. (I think it ran longer, but i’m not complaining)
Hokay! I was going first. I spoke about Phillipe and then I revealed…. THE PIECE. About a year ago I composed a lullaby for Matilde. I spoke of the event that had sparked it. Though I was not close with her, I was moved by her kindness and selflessness she gave to the kingdom. I saw her having a rough time (while I was surfing the Visage of Tomes //Facebook) and when I got home from work, I wrote it down, recorded it and sent it to her. I generally do not share pieces I’ve composed in public. It’s a piece of my soul and if it got damaged I don’t know what I would do. I write for people often, but it’s for them in their private moments. I sang it with all my heart. I sang it for a crowded room. I didn’t cry… then, but inside I wept because I shared my soul. This song is posted to my blog, but I suspect not a lot of folks actually read it.
It was decision making time and I didn’t care. We made music and reveled. We sang rounds and songs. We heard others play. My heart sang. I won the day. I was making music with old friends and new.
Court came. I was not announced the winner. That’s ok. I WON. My FAMILY was standing as champions. They are MY champions. They have always been my champions. Baldric or not. I love them. I screamed as they were announced. I cheered as they were addressed.
Not long after they had been announced, her Majesty, Vienna was announcing that she had been inspired by two other individuals in round 2. Myself and my brother, Phillipe. We were awarded a very rarely given award know as the Golden Lyre. (About the Golden Lyre below)
I sat down to enjoy the rest of court. I was reveling again in the day. Surrounded by my community. The Bardic community. However, I was called into court for one more piece of business. The EKCoP (East Kingdom College of Performers) announced a new travel journal to be passed around. This journal is to document someone who inspired you that day (and a few more details). It is to be passed on to them at that event and taken home to the next event. Today, it was presented to me.
Also, throughout the event, I was presented these tokens by the populace for my performances. I added these into my “I guess I don’t suck” box. I keep every single token I’ve ever received as a way to remember on those days when the worms get to me that I am not as terrible as my brain tells me. HAND OUT TOKENS. GIVE COMPLIMENTS. These could help motivate and save your friends or strangers.
This was my 3rd year. You bet you will see me next year. Until then, I have won the day. I hope everyone else won theirs too!
Depairt, Depairt
- Alexander Scott (16th-century poet) (c. 1520–1582/83), Scottish poet. Scottish lyricist who is regarded as one of the last of the makaris (or poets) of the 16th century, because of his skill in handling the old Scottish metrical forms. His 35 extant poems are contained in the Bannatyne Manuscript (1568).
- This was composed in Courtly verse in the grand manner. Poetry in this manner comprises several elaborate dream-allegories more or less saturated with classical, as well as, rather more incidentally and cursorily, scriptural, allusion somewhat simpler love-allegories and dream-visions and debates, grandiose panegyrics and lament. Almost all of this is in more or less elaborate Chaucerian stanzas, mostly of seven, eight or nine lines of inter-rhyming pentameter lines. Set pieces in the courtly manner are also prefaced or appended to, or introduced into, works mainly in the narrative and didactic modes – as more or less conventional and pretentious prologues and prohemes, and conventional panegyrics and hymns, and some ‘complaynts’ or laments.
Depairt, depairt, (depart)*
Allace, I most depairte (Alas)
From her that hes my hairt (heart)
With hairt full soir (sore)
Aganis my will in deid (indeed)
And can find no remeid, (remedy)
I wait the panis of deid (pains of death)
Can do no moir. (more)
Adew sueit thing (Adieu sweet)
My joy and comforting,
My mirth and sollesing (delight)
Of erdly gloir: (earthly glory)
Fair weill, my lady bricht (bright)
And my remembrance rycht, (rich)
Fair weill and haif gud nycht, (have good night)
I say no moir.
Daiches, D. (1982), Literature and Gentility in Scotland, The University Press, Edinburgh
Smith, George Gregory (1911). “Scott, Alexander” . Encyclopædia Britannica. 24 (11th ed.). p. 468.
Cranstou, James (1897). “Scott, Alexander (1525-1584), poet” . Dictionary of National Biography.
About Ladino:
Ladino is very nearly extinct in many of these areas. A very archaic form of Castillian Spanish mixed somewhat with Hebrew elements (as well as Aramaic, Arabic, Turkish, Greek, French, Bulgarian, and Italian), Ladino originated in Spain and was carried to its present speech areas by the descendants of the Spanish jews who were expelled from Spain after 1492.
About the golden Lyre:
Given to an individual or group whose single work or performance, either displayed publicly or in an arts & sciences display at a Royal Progress, in The Crown’s sole opinion and discretion, manifests and represents the fire and passion of the East Kingdom arts. The basis for bestowing the Award of the Golden Lyre will rely on the artistic use of period mediums, creativity, and/or inspirational value of the work or performance. The work or performance may be a work in progress. Documentation is not required, but is highly recommended. Individuals/groups can receive the award more than once during a reign, but not for the same work or performance. The Award of the Golden Lyre may be awarded by the King or Queen, together or individually.
Birka # 10
This is my first of double digit events for me. This is starting my 9th year in the society and I am still so very fond of my first event. This was also my partner’s first Birka. I chose not to fence this year as I wanted to focus on him and make sure he got to do everything he wanted at his first Birka.
Our main concerns today were making several deliveries as well as seeing friends of ours receive awards. Also… Fashion show.
Aegir had provided 3 tree of life necklaces to the auction for the incoming reign. I made the matching earrings for them as he wasn’t comfortable to making them. I happily obliged. After finding his 3 delivery recipients and receiving his auction purchase, I had to make my deliveries and receipt. I had donated a 30 minute private performance for the auction, however, this delivery was of another nature.
Last year, I was inducted into the prestigious order of the Silver Brooch. This is the award of arms level of Arts and Sciences awards in the East Kingdom. We decided to do an artisans gift exchange. My recipient wasn’t there, but I delivered hand made trim to her. I finally met up with my gift creator and I was in TEARS with the gift she presented me.
Music is the only thing that truly keeps me alive. Someone made music for -Me-. After I cried over this masterpiece, I spoke with the artist, Shoshanna Gryffyth, and asked her if we could collaborate. She happily agreed. Not only did this project yield new beautiful art that may not have been created (It inspired art) but it helped me connect with someone I would never had met before.
Next was shopping! I didn’t purchase too much, but I am excited for the newest member of the family.
Next, the fashion show! This year, at the coronation of Willhelm and Vienna, there was a challenge issued that we would incorporate Marvel and DC heroes and villains. I’m not much of a seamstress, but I wanted to improve my skills. I am a huge fan of Wonder Woman and German garb, so why not.
I just learned how to embroider. This is my 3rd project for embroidery. Here are a few pictures of the in progress of the embroidery and then the final project.
This is Aegir and I in our pieces:
After the fashion show was over, Baronial court was happening. This was the last court of her Excellency Jocelyn Del Espada. I went to support her and my friends who were to be the incoming Baron and Baroness. After the court was over, I went to thank her for all she had done for me personally. What I didn’t expect was the flood of tears that came from me. She touched me a way that few have ever. She was/is a huge advocate of music. She inspired me to compete. She inspired me to be -HER- Bard/champion. Despite everything she experienced in the past 5 years, between the SCA and Mundane, SHE was my Baronessa.
Kingdom court came and it was time to see my friends receive much appreciated awards. This is always an exciting time for me. However, just before court, my friend, Master Lucien approached me. He was supposed to Herald the Boast for now, Master Scamus. However, he had fallen ill and requested that I do this. I was excited and honored to be able to herald in my friend, fencing teacher and mentor. I had only done this once before, but never for a crowd this large. Luckily, Lucien had written up the boast, so all I had to do was be loud.
My friends Kenneric and Cat received their silver wheels, which I had crafted for the (see previous blog post) and our company escorted them into court. Additionally during court I retained for the princess.
After court was over, my favorite part of Birka was about to begin. I was once again honored to run bardic at Birka for the 4th year in a row. We had about 25-30 folks show. We had everyone from ages 13-??? (old). We heard song, story, poem. We had folks who this was their first event, 90th event and those in between. Everyone performed well. I learned a new story which I can’t wait to try out at winter nights (If Aegir doesn’t steal it from me first). Also, at the end of the night, a new and exciting voice arose. I quickly ran to him to present him with my token and encouraged him to get involved. I filled him in on allll the bardic stuff going on and gave him my information as the EKCoP Deputy Chatelaine.
All in all, this was an amazing Birka. So many emotions.. not a single one bad.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 