Mighty King Tindall and King Consort Emerson demand all in attendance to lend their ears!
On the swan-roads and fields of glory the bladesong of Desimir is spun from wind to earthen warrior . Shield-breaker, helm-seeker, Desimir is the storm’s fury and the sea’s embrace. He is iron-borne, unwavering in prowess and conviction against all odds. With a spear-gripped stance and raven’s flight, he honors ancestors in the clash of metal and breath. In the heat of combat, he forges his saga, wielding this ancient dance of steel. With each thrust, he carves the runes of victory upon the battleground, where the echo of each who had trodden before resound. Rapier, silver gleaning, rests upon his neck today. Wars of the Great North Eastern land marked in the annals AS LIX.
Calligraphy and Illumination/Cutwork by Ciaran Ua Meic Thire
In the 14+ years I have been playing in the SCA, I have yet to miss a GNEW.
This year was emotionally tough to get motivated for. Had I not had prior commitments, I had thought about skipping. It has nothing to do with the event itself as it is a wonderful event. It had nothing to do with the offerings or the people. It was simply “It’s hot, I’m tired and I don’t wanna”.
The weather until the day before had predicted rain. LOTS of rain. If you are not from New England, a lesson you should know is that, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”.
So, I waited. The weather cleared for the entire weekend and that was grand.
Wolfgang, Child and I arrived on site about 3 hours later than I had planned, which worked out with the weather (heat).
We set up camp, but I was already full of anxiety. There were some things in my personal life plaguing me, but I won’t get into them here, plus the anxiety of teaching a new class, running an ensemble with very litter external direction from the coordinators and a performing a boast which I had written for a dear friend.
Thursday evening, we sat in camp and wandered about to see friends. Much of my memories for the evening was a blur, but I suspect it was due to my busy day ahead of me on Friday.
Friday am came too quickly and it was rehearsal time. 9:00 am is not my favorite, but it’s when we were all available. The rehearsal was for playing in the Deed of Arms. If you read my blog last year, we did the same thing.
This year we played an assortment of Duets and Trios from the Rosenbeck books (1 and 2) and some other gems I grabbed off the internet. All of the pieces we played would have been heard in the 14th century (So, 13th and 14th century pieces).
I am grateful for Ameline (Center) and Richard (Right) for their willingness to play and be flexible… and meeting me at 9am for rehearsal.
After we finished up, I was off to teach my brand new class, “16th Century Vocal Technique and Pedagogy”.
The class was attending by a few people, but their varying levels of background gave me a good sense of what was working and if anything had areas of opportunity for growth. I focus on a very niche topic and I am always concerned that there will be no interest in it. I am excited to present this class at Pennsic. This will be 1 of 2 class offerings that I will be bringing to Pennsic.
From there, I hid back in my tent until it was just time to change for the Deed. Part of the Deed was not only playing 14th century music, but also dressing. Apparently, my performers and I chose an unofficial uniform. GREEN FOR DAYS!
The Deed itself was wonderful to watch and each of my instrumentalists were a delight. Not pictured is our wonderful bagpipe player.
The rest of the evening was spent socializing and prepping for the next day.
The next AM, the true reason I was excited to be at GNEW were my friends, Tessa, was about to be elevated to the Order of the Pelican, Cedric to the Order of Defense and Matt to the Order of the Pelican.
Tessa is my deputy for Harper’s retreat 2024 (COME! IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME). I had been told about her elevation and was asked to boast/herald her in. Who was I to refuse this great honor to celebrate my friend. She and I were doing a site walk and had stayed behind to do some follow-up discussion from the site-walk. I had a stroke of genius… or perhaps just a stroke, but I figured out how I was going to get what she wanted for a boast (Mind you, she has no peer, no ICOP…just friends desperately trying to not ruin the secret).
“Hey Tessa… I’ve got a friend down in Atlantia who’s going to be elevated to Laurel in September. They’ve got a 14th century Italian Persona and they -love music/performing arts. Any idea what they might like for a boast?”
“Solveig, you should do it based on Chaucer from “”A knights tale””. His speeches are *chefs kiss*”.
There… that is what I was going to do. I watched all of the speeches and settled on his 2nd speech. Separate post coming with the boast and information.
After she was taken to Vigil (and I had shot a little archery with Wolfgang) I went to go visit my friend, Tessa. (I did not visit the other two as Cedric lives 2 miles from me and had a mile long list of visitors and Matt also had a mile long list of visitors.) I went in by myself (though, I typically take Wolfgang in with me, I wanted this to be a private moment between us.
I’m not a peer, but I always try to bring some words of wisdom and support to candidates I am talking to. I never rehearse anything and only speak from the heart. It is, however, my goal to make them cry. Cry from being touched, from feels… whatever.
Anyways, I walked in. I shared with Tessa that information. I shared with her that I did the wordsmithing on her scroll (But would not share it at that time) and also that I was who was going to be boasting her in. I gently reminded her of our last Harper’s walkthrough. I explained I wanted to share her boast with her now as she would likely be too wrapped up in emotions to be able to hear the boast (Despite my crystal clear diction and projection ^_~). As I started to read it to her, her face lit up.
“You bitch!” said in the most loving way possible.
We laughed for the last few minutes and I left her with a hug.
From there I ran off to go to practice read through the scrolls at court. Audrye runs a tight and well oiled machine and I am always thankful to work under her. I read scrolls and found out I got to spend some delightful time sitting with Wolfgang and Erik (We share a Peer…actually all 3 of us do but anyways).
It was time for the Silver Wheels to be called up. I knew 5/6 of the recipients. I…. made a medallion for each of them. I care for them all and they have all touched me in different ways that this was just something small I wanted to do for them. I suspect many may be passed down or given away, but I wanted them to feel cared for in the moment.
I had not realized that there was only 1 recipient that I didn’t know. I wish I had so I could have gifted her one as well. The schtick of this court became “Is there a medallion?” “Yes, your majesty” *Hustles up to the front of court* “Is there a legacy?” “Nope…. I made it” and some form of variation for each of the 5 I made.
Finally, it was time for the boast. An adult beverage consumed before hand to “Take the edge off” and then here we go!
This was my first truly “Heroic” style boast. I was trying to channel Paul Bettany but still make it my own.
I could not do a better set of timing because I had a parade of folks behind me, but I still tried to do my best. I feel like I at least nailed the timing for the finish.
I heard some snickers, I saw folks reacting in pictures. I watched the video that Arlyanna van Wyck had taken (Thank you as always, Arlyanna for all your hard work and the gift you give to the kingdom with your videography. You capture so many memories).
It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for the moment. I, as a performer, am mostly content with it, but the fact that it did make my friend’s day, is all that mattered.
My heart is full and I feel somewhat revitalized. I am still taking the rest of the summer easy as I have responsibilities at Pennsic and Harper’s and in October, my royals step up and I work more for my Largesse coordination.
Please check out the boast video and the scroll words when you get the chance.
Sometimes you just need to sing. Living in the southern edge of NH means I don’t have a ton of folx I can be like SING WITH ME. Especially the night before an event. So, I decided to make some music with myself-ish.
Last year, I was honored to be able to participate in a concern hosted by my friend, Colette. We sang a mix of pieces, but I fell in love with a piece by Machaut which we performed. The version of the piece we sang was a duet. This could be done with 2 voices, voice and instrument, 2 instruments. We performed with 2 instruments.
Colette had sent everyone learning tracks (Being the amazingly kind human that they are). I still had access to these tracks so I grabbed the one for the bottom part so I could sing with it. It is Colette la Trouvere singing the bottom.
The signet of Bhakail and I have become decently close. Having 2 peers connected to Bhakail, it is a second home to me (despite it being -across- the kingdom. Anyways, Bhakail takes their board gaming seriously. So, to counter that, I felt that a scroll with alliteration was in order. Nothing period about this besides the board games themselves but I have fun writing it.
Bhakail’s board gaming virtuoso, who brings brilliance, boasts breathtaking mastery beyond bounds and battles brainy opponents, is blessed with strategy, which baffles adversaries. They employ bewitching moves that bedazzle both beginners and seasoned players. Today, done by Baron Muin at Bhakail’s Tavern, ______________ is named Bhakail’s beloved Board gaming champion, where they also serve a beacon of camaraderie that binds the Barony together creating a bond that beautifully bridges generations and backgrounds. Brimming with benevolence, the Baronial champion shares boundless board game wisdom, fostering a bustling community of budding board gamers.
Scroll Calligraphy by Gretchen Schroeder Illumination Laura Louise
Back when HRM Tindal was on the throne the first time with HRM Albrecht, I decided I wanted to try my hand at composing a processional. I wanted to capture a piece that captured Tindal, himself.
I titled the piece, “Patronus” which means proctector. Nothing to do with Harry Potter. This was a conscious choice based on Tindal’s 1st century roman persona. It finally got a real performance of it and was performed for it’s intention. I was not there that day, but many thanks to Mistress Deonna von Achen for teaching it and running the group. Enjoy!
Thank you to Angelica Di Nova Lipa for capturing this video for me and Ronan MacCodrum for sending it to me (And always being willing to sing my music either that I compose or teach)
Another recording from Arlyana van Wyck from a different visual/vocal vantage:
Wars, both civil and foreign, I undertook throughout the world, on sea and land, and when victorious I spared all citizens who sued for pardon. The foreign nations which could with safety be pardoned I preferred to save rather than to destroy.
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.
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!
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
I often stray away from arts and sciences competitions. It’s hard enough as a vocalist to show prowess in an ephemeral art. It is also difficult to convey information to this art as it simply is it’s own language. Music is a refined language, spoken by many, but felt by all.
How do you judge something that cannot be touched or smelled or tasted? How can you judge a feeling? How do you judge something that you cannot describe? Did you miss something? Why was this good or bad?
“I don’t like this because (Insert genre here) is boring”. “Gross it’s in ( insert foreign language)”. “No one likes vibrato” “I hate straight tone” “Too many notes for the royale ear!” (Bonus points if you can name that movie).
Taste plays a lot into performance. To break out objectivity into a performance is completely impossible. How could we add objectivity to it? That was my goal with this grouped up project. I wanted to show my research and why my performance choices were period, while explaining my aesthetic choices and provide examples of each objectively to prove a point.
The first linked paper below is regarding the overall performance of Downland’s, “Flow My Tears”. However, there is a controversial discussion regarding one specific performance technique. So, I decided to research it and show why -I believe- that, although the word “Vibrato” did not exist until the 17th century, it was likely an active performance technique, used as an ornament as opposed to being completely expunged.
Points to anyone who reads my paper and understands why “The GOAT”.
I didn’t expect to win as my project didn’t meet the rubric at all but there was a challenge. I entered as a chance to receive some feedback to see where I was on my A and S journey. Out of 25 points I scored a 21 and a 22. I will take it.
The other proud moment for me was I -almost- won populace choice…. WITH A RESEARCH PAPER. Not many thoughts on this but I figured this was a good start. More research to come.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 