Review of Mediaeval Baebes
 | "The Mystical Magical Mediaeval Babes!" by Mary Mason for remotegoat on 15/12/08 |  |
The music is hauntingly beautiful, and appeals to a total cross section. The audience wore an assortment of mediaeval attire and goth inspired costumes and the atmosphere was set before the concert even started.
Appearing in virginal white gowns with head dresses of huge flowers the six ladies appear as if from a Midsummer Nights Dream. They sing in many languages including French, Spanish, Medieval Latin and occasionally English. Opening with the beautiful Salva Nos, the atmosphere was set for a truly stunning set. the founder Katherine Blake and the other members write many of the songs, set to lyrics based on 13th 14th and 15th century poetry but with a totally modern feel.
The songs interspersed with little poems and odes such as There is no rose of such virtue as Mary Mother of God
Their truly beautiful classical voices blend as if sent from heaven, not actually Hackney and Walthamstow!
The ladies double on violin (really impressive harmonics) recorder drum and penny whistle, and are equally proficient on their instruments.
The second half saw the ladies in stunning red gowns and the second song, The Blacksmith, really raised the roof with its cross rhythms. Return of the birds in medieval Latin was a lyrical transportation to the past
Three superb musicians backed the ladies on authentic instruments. Ben Wilcock on drums, Frank Moon on lutes and Rebecca Dutton on many stringed instruments of the period totally deserved their individual accolades
The final tableau saw the ladies in forest green gowns, how I would have loved to have seen a gauze with projection of a faery forest behind them!
Kinderly saw the audience shouting and stamping for more. When the ladies returned the technical timing of The Undivided was a joy to behold.
Suffice to say that when the Medieval Baebes are back in town I will be first in the queue!
Blessed Be dear ladies!
| Event Venues & Times | |
| finished | Regent Centre | 51 The High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS |
