Search - Mediaeval Baebes :: Salva Nos

Salva Nos
Mediaeval Baebes
Salva Nos
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Rock, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1

"Yeaux! Check out the Bæbes!" Rock/pop buyers seeing this disc will probably be amused or intrigued; early music aficionados will likely assume the worst (Spice-Girls-do-Hildegard-with-a-backbeat). Neither need fear: ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Mediaeval Baebes
Title: Salva Nos
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Virgin Records Us
Release Date: 9/8/1998
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Rock, Classical
Styles: Europe, Britain & Ireland, Holiday & Wedding, Opera & Classical Vocal
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 724384622923

Synopsis

Amazon.com
"Yeaux! Check out the Bæbes!" Rock/pop buyers seeing this disc will probably be amused or intrigued; early music aficionados will likely assume the worst (Spice-Girls-do-Hildegard-with-a-backbeat). Neither need fear: the Mediæval Bæbes may cultivate an irreverent image, but they take their music seriously. Here they give us a selection of well-known (relatively speaking) medieval tunes--including some Christmas songs almost everyone will recognize--plus a few original melodies set to medieval lyrics. They've done a bit of arranging and added a period instrument here and there, but nothing more drastic than Munrow or Savall ever did. The Bæbes' voices aren't as polished as those of Sequentia or Anonymous 4, but their singing, plenty ethereal, has energy that A4 sometimes lacks. Specialists won't hate this record, but there's nothing to intimidate listeners unfamiliar with medieval music. It's really a crossover disc from both directions. --Matthew Westphal

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CD Reviews

Spare, unearthly recreations of medieval tunes and lyrics
Brianna Neal | USA | 10/01/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Mediaeval Baebes, a group of twelve female vocalists led by Katherine Blake, croon and sigh their way through a variety of Latin, Middle English and medieval French songs in a manner all their own. Usually in unison, and often unaccompanied, the straightforward sound of their voices is simple yet striking. All of the music of "Salva Nos" has a fairy tale quality about it, whether that be in the form of innocent lilts graced by dulcimer and recorders, or primal chants belted out heartily to the deep beat of hand drums. Another world, another time, another aesthetic--this is music that calms and transports you. It may not be entirely authentic in its presentation, but its spirit shines through. "Salva Nos" is by far the most laid back of the Mediaeval Baebes' releases--they keep getting livelier after this one, with more drums, more attitude, and eventually some electronica. But this is where it all started. The Baebes' roster for this recording is: Nicole Frobusch, Carmen Schneider, Katharine Blake, Nichole Sleet, Karen Lupton, Teresa Casella, Marie Findley, Audrey Evans, Clare Ravel, Ruth Galloway, Rachel Van Asch and Cylindra Sapphire, with instrumentalist Dorothy Carter on hurdy gurdy and dulcimer. The next of the Mediaeval Baebes' albums is "Worldes Bliss." Try also the work of the German neo-Medieval group Estampie and the duo Dead Can Dance. And if you'd like to hear early English music performed by authentic period ensembles, here are some suggestions: "Miri It Is" by The Dufay Collective, "English Songs of the Middle Ages" by Sequentia, "An English Ladymass," "On Yoolis Night," "Legends of Nicholas," and "Wolcum Yule" by Anonymous 4, and "A Waverly Consort Christmas."

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