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Keywords:
Minstrel Boy (2), medieval (14), (just plain evil- actually) (1), alfalpha (22), Rebsie (46), Chikoppi (13), V4C01 (7), Renaissance (16), Early Music (2), pub (8), alcoholic academics (1), Shakespeare (8), Elizabethan (1), What critics of the day had to say about the codex V4C01: Thou puny reeling-ripe lewdster! (1), Thou vain pox-marked codpiece! (1), Thou spleeny fool-born gudgeon! (1), Thou art a dull and muddy-mettled rascal (1), Thou puny common-kissing scullian! (1), Thou mangled unchin-snouted bum-bailey! (1)
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Description:
An enormous stir amongst the international Early Musicke academia has erupted with the discovery of the Codex V4C01 by famed musicologist and Australian early music specialist, Dr. Alf Alfalpha (PhD), during one of his regular study sabbaticals in the cellars of the Royal Willow Hotel in the Australian medieval village of Pambula,
The manuscript is, thus far, the sole written record of music of the wandering minstrels of the Australian Renaissance period (c.1253-1988-ish)
After much deliberation (and regular research at the Royal Willow Hotel- the centre of Australian cultural studies), Dr. Alfalpha has finally deciphered one of the scores contained within the V4C01 tome entitled ‘Soul of Love’ (aka ‘the Minstrel Boy’).
This recording, features the renowned doyenne & diva of Early Australian vocal music, Rebsie of Cheltenham.
The ensemble Consortium Medicago Sativa, under the dictatorship...erm, 'direction' of Dr. Alfalpha, has recreated, for the first time (and perhaps, the last), the inimitable sounds from this classic period of Early Australian music.
The above woodcut image, which appears on the cover of the Codex, depicts the typical appreciation of the Australian Renaissance minstrel by his audience of the day.
The generosity of the Chikoppi Foundation has made the funding for the research of the Codex V4C01 (as well as this recording) possible.
Hardware:
iBook G4
Software:
GB2, fitch cello, JP4
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Tricked Me! &mdash 08/12/07 - 11:15:45 PM
What with all the key words and the song description, I was sure this was going to be one of your genre-bending presentations. As I pressed play, I really wondered how, even you, could turn this into a soul song.
But you tricked me, you little scamp, and this is instead something really sincere and genre-appropriate. Your understanding of this type of music is excellent and is spot on, which I guess is why you're so good at getting your hooks into all types of music and bending it to your will. I really have to compliment you on the mix and I've downloaded the song, not just because I like it (which I do) but because I want to pay attention to what you've done.
Really this is very well-done, Alf. [ Reply to This ]
Bravo!! &mdash 08/12/07 - 11:43:48 PM
This is so great!! :)
I'm just getting ready to post up my version, and my hat's off to you for this magnificent period-piece. Wow :) [ Reply to This ]
Many Thanks! &mdash 08/13/07 - 01:32:25 AM
For the kind comments, Cat!
I look forward to hearing your your version!
Thanks for popping around for the visit!
Cheers,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
'Genre-bending'...moi? &mdash 08/12/07 - 11:43:54 PM
...Hee hee!
Actually Lisa, initially, I wasn't going to 'Alfalphatise' Rebsie's version, however, after having an 'tinker' with it a couple of weeks ago, I thought that perhaps, after having an intense listen to a few of my Renaissance discs & rifling through the scores of the Fitzwilliam virginal books, I'd have a go at attempting to plagiarise the styles of Susato, Praetorius, Byrd & various other composers from this period.
I really enjoy the music from this era & remember seeing BBC documentaries of David Munrow (one of the leading experts in this field- sadly, no longer with us), when I was a little tyke at school, which made me very curious about this music. Anyway, I digress...I'm absolutely delighted you enjoyed this and thanks so much for your kind comments.
All the Best & Cheers Lisa!
Alf
[ Reply to This ]
I'm getting smarter by the tune... &mdash 08/12/07 - 11:58:18 PM
My friend just walked in the room and asked me if I realized that i looked like I might be trying to catch flies with my mouth open - And then his follow up question, accompanied by knitted brows, was - "What are you listening too? - and - now that, I really like"...
I swear, he only comes into my office when he hears intelligent music playing, and then wonders out loud in some sideways fashion, 'so what's going on with you'...
Once I regained control of my bottom lip, I punched out my chest and said, oh... these are just some of my favs on this music site - Eh eh eh... - Raking in my bonus round, I then postured with the question, I'm not such a box of rocks after-all, huh...
Okay, so I'm pushing it...
Alphi, this is a stunning work of art! It really supports Resbie's already, gorgeous vocal work.
I had to confess a similar sort of thing to Composerclark - I'm really not smart enough to talk about how this is such the work that it is, but in the past, I have been known to know beauty when I've stumbled across it. - And this is just a beautiful, beautiful work of art!
I'll just bow out now and say, thanks, to both of you, for putting this together. I can't even imagine how much work went into this. - Just, thank you! Dion [ Reply to This ]
Lip control... &mdash 08/14/07 - 01:24:28 AM
The wonderful thing about this site is the awesome amount of variety of music which is constantly appearing in the 'in' box. I am really pleased that your friend enjoyed this little 'ditty'! But, all with all due respect to him, intelligence has very little to do with creativity, and for what it's worth, I'd gladly exchange the former for the latter- and I seriously question if I actually much of the 'former' to begin with! ;)
One can read & research as much as one can, understand principles of orchestration, harmony, and all that boring stuff- yet lack that certain little thing called 'creativity', which you, my friend, have plenty of...
So, Dion, as far as 'what's going on with you', I know for certain, there's plenty a-happening in 'that there box of precious stones' ! :)
(Now then, let's take a good look at that bottom lip- just lie back & relax- this won't hurt a bit!)
:)
Many Thanks & Best Wishes Dion,
I'm really chuffed you enjoyed this!
Cheers!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
LOL!!! &mdash 08/14/07 - 03:42:28 PM
Leave my bottom lip alone!
LOL... Ahhh - That was good... Thank you - Me, again
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I just love music! [ Reply to This ]
Soul Of Love &mdash 08/13/07 - 05:48:46 AM
I never heard such perfect beauty ,
would certainly be at the Court of
the Royal Willow Hotel- the centre of Australian cultural studies.. no words can explain
my love to this piece of art ..but this
humble word of thankfullness for sharing
this here with us .
KUDOS !
a deeeeep Bow !!
[ Reply to This ]
The Centre of Australian Cultural Studies.. &mdash 08/14/07 - 01:40:58 AM
...requests the pleasure of Professor Feter's company for an exchange of 'cultural' ideas. That something I KNOW would benefit Pambula enormously! (I'm sure Neil would agree with me on that idea!) ;)
Thank You so much for your lovely, kind words Feter...
I humbly thank YOU sir! :)
Cheers & Regards,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Is there no end to this? &mdash 08/13/07 - 07:21:42 AM
This is a fantastic work of art. It sounds as if the vocals were sung over your music - not the other way round. I know how hard this vocal was to sync to. Well done.
Good on ya cobbah.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Cheers cobber! &mdash 08/14/07 - 01:55:29 AM
Len, believe it, or not, I actually slowed the tempo down to 74 BPM. After 'splicing up' Rebsie's fantastic vocals, I placed each phrase (generally) on the 1st beat of each bar & pencilled the notes 'in line' with Rebsie's phrasing in an attempt to emulate an 'acoustic' performance & make the accompaniment sound 'in time'.
I really appreciate your comments Len- my shout next round! ;)
Cheers & thanks,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
THIS &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:04:47 AM
is a proper renaissance to me! it is done truly beautifully, i have to admit i have a big weakness for a renaissance music. have no clue how did you do it alfi without a chamber orchestra. the sound is fantastic!!! love it! :) [ Reply to This ]
I also have... &mdash 08/14/07 - 02:04:26 AM
...a weakness for Renaissance music (especially the brass kind!). Rebsie's vocals were the perfect vehicle for an accompaniment of this 'ilk'.
Pavlina, the 'orchestra' I used was Jam Pack 4, which (I think) has a wonderful array of sounds. I never cease to be amazed that these days, one can have access to a 'full orchestra! :)
Thanks for your nice comment Pavlina, it's great to see you around here again!
Cheers!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
This is .. &mdash 08/13/07 - 10:34:30 AM
.. one of the greatest versions of Minstrel Boy Alf, and if you remember my comment on Mr. Richard one, this is too, great piece and great job you did Alf with Mrs. Fairholm vocals, remembered me of Blackmore's Night old songs (the horns and drums beat).
Great job you did, thanks for sharing this piece here with us.
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Im really pleased... &mdash 08/14/07 - 02:13:15 AM
...you enjoyed this Yeman. As with Richard, Rebsie's vocals were also an absolute pleasure to work with. What a great site- where you get to meet other people with similar interests and talent (as is in YOUR case Yeman!) :)
Many Thanks & Take Care my friend!
Cheers,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Rebsie's been Alfalphabetized! &mdash 08/13/07 - 10:43:38 AM
Professor Peter Schickele had this to say about this piece: "Hey!"
Alf, this is wonderful in many ways. You've Alfed the music backward and composed a very authentic-sounding Renaissance piece, fitting Rebsie in very nicely. Whatever orchestra you got to perform this did brilliantly (R2D2 and C-GPO?), the brasses were beautiful, nicely nuanced krumhorns and sakbuts! I continue to be impressed by your creative prowess... also, it is rumoured that you chose your wife as the conductor for this piece, simply because she has a cute arsis... however, I know you like more than her baton, so I am not spreading that silliness.
Love your descriptive patter too, what a delight you are!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
There is substantial evidence... &mdash 08/14/07 - 05:38:35 PM
...that PDQ Bach, himself had frequented the Australian Cultural Centre- the first page of the codex is partially smudged with what has been identified (via DNA testing) as wine stains, with a scrawly inscription reading "PDQ RULEZ!"
The orchestra (Consortium Medicago Sativa) is actually quite an 'organic' ensemble, so no robots were harmed in the making of this recording, (aside from a couple of crumby horns & buttsacks...)
My wife prefers the odd cricket bat to a baton, and has been known for her prowess with said instrument, especially when I have spent too much time at the cultural centre- which is quite often...
I am so pleasd you enjoyed this Eduard!
Many Thanks for your wonderful commentary of this piece!
Cheers & Regards!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful &mdash 08/13/07 - 01:24:09 PM
The definitive historical version is now out! The rest of us pedants can go back to our musical plodding with ears tickled and mouth agape.
A joy to listen to. Great job! [ Reply to This ]
A definitive... &mdash 08/14/07 - 07:56:56 PM
...hysterical version is what THIS pedant produced, & I apologies for any harm I may have causd your ears & mouth! :)
Many Thanks for your kind words Thomas, I appreciate your visit!
Cheers & Regards!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Hark! &mdash 08/13/07 - 03:08:34 PM
Verily 'twas my pleasure to sound my instrument of joy upon thy chamber pot of delight, thou lily-luted rapscallion. [ Reply to This ]
M' Ladye Faire, &mdash 08/14/07 - 06:06:57 PM
...my humble chamber pot doth floweth over in grattytude and apprecyashon for thine instrumente's beauty....
Alwayes thy faythfoole Servante,
Alf :)
X
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Hmmm... &mdash 08/19/07 - 03:24:54 PM
Why don't you two start speakin' English?!
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Check out my <a href="http://www.epilepticgibbon.co.uk">music podcast</a> [ Reply to This ]
Schooner of New .. &mdash 08/13/07 - 05:25:18 PM
.. please Doctor! Great idea using all those common Aussie expressions in the song description Doc ;)
For me, this is the best of the Minstral Boy versions, and really sounds like it was done in collaboration over many healing brews at our august cultural institute. Not that I know what authentic music of this period is supposed to sound like of course, but as usual, you've played the notes and picked the sounds that suit the piece perfectly.
You shape-shifter you!
Excellent stuff Alf! See you at The Institute sometime.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Who's shout is it anyway?! &mdash 08/14/07 - 08:08:31 PM
Who knows how many 'healing' brews it takes to realise such a questionable interpretation? Perhaps about the same number 'morning after' regrets, followed up by yet more 'healing' brews...the result being that I don't even know what music from this period is supposed to sound like! LOL!
It's a vicious cycle Neil, but someone has to uphold the tradition of the Australian Renaissance Movement! ;)
I'm off to find a new shape now, before I have another regretful morning after!
BTW, I think we're overdue for one of our regular 'board of Sapphire Coast Academics' meetings! ;)
Many thanks for the great comments Neil- see you soon!
Cheers,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Nice &mdash 08/14/07 - 09:32:10 PM
:) &mdash 08/15/07 - 01:51:48 AM
Thanks,
Cheers,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Our faythfoole servante, alf &mdash 08/15/07 - 07:22:34 AM
bestoweth upon us much grace and joye amidst the timbre and cadence of his emission. This melodious construction falls wondrous upon my ear. I bow to you good sir. [ Reply to This ]
Forsooth! &mdash 08/15/07 - 07:42:50 PM
My Lord Bud,
'Twas my humble pleasure to bestoweth upon thee my emissions of cacofonye upon thine ears...
Verily,
I beseech of thee that thou bowest not, as I am not worthye of such praise from thou, an artisan of so manye marvels musickle...
I remain thy loyal footwasher, and unworthye backscrubber! :)
Cheers Bud!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Indeed &mdash 08/15/07 - 11:10:48 PM
Goodly tune fine sir goodly tune . Very nice job on the instraments and great job matching and mxing the vocal in as well ! Great version .........Cherri-0 and good day to you Sir! [ Reply to This ]
M'Lord Benny... &mdash 08/17/07 - 04:29:58 AM
It has been but a few meads I have consumeth....(in moderation, of course)
I am honoured by your regal & kindly presence in this court...
I remayne your humble beard comber...
Cheers Benny!
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
love it &mdash 08/15/07 - 11:45:00 PM
you mixed this song wonderfully. it synced up perfectly keep up the good work. [ Reply to This ]
Will... &mdash 08/17/07 - 04:34:11 AM
That means a lot to me..I really appreciate your having a listen to this & leaving such kind comments....
Many Thanks Will...I honestly think you are an overlooked member of the MacJammers community...
Take Care,
Best & Good Wishes,
Alf
(Speak soon!)
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
love it &mdash 08/17/07 - 01:35:16 AM
The horns were a great addition! The voice was particularly sparkly! I click my heels in delight. [ Reply to This ]
Toto...'We're not in Kansas anymore!' &mdash 08/17/07 - 05:43:55 AM
If you 'click your heels' listening to this, you'll probably be still at home! LOL!
Actually, I think that Rebsie's vocals were sparkly to begin with...I just tried to keep up with her- but she kept shining even more! :)
Being an ex-brass player, I just couldn't resist the horns! ;)
Many Thanks for your comments Eric,
Many Thanks & Best Wishes,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Unusual, but very good &mdash 08/17/07 - 12:00:43 PM
I was waiting for Sam and Dave or Otis Redding but it's not to be found here. What was found was an eclectic mix of sounds and vocals and some very nice surprises. The arrangement was well done but I think the vocals needed to be a little clearer and more out front.
Bravo for a nice piece of work [ Reply to This ]
nice courtly feel &mdash 08/19/07 - 09:25:37 PM
Couldn't get any body more fitting to do the singin than Rebsie!
Lots of terrific renaissance sounds, it all seems to fit in like a glove. Very theatrical which I adore!
Love that touch of Enya about 3/4 of the through! Though yours totally!
Great tune! [ Reply to This ]
Courtly feel... &mdash 08/23/07 - 01:11:11 AM
You're absolutely right about Rebsie, her voice certainly lends itself to this genre.
I'm glad you liked that 'Enya' section- it's not exactly what the purists would call 'Renaissance', but what the heck! ;)
Thanks so Much for the kind comments Bill!
Cheers,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Period drama &mdash 08/20/07 - 12:54:28 AM
Rebsies gentle vocals, the lovely backing, the who;e feel of this - as Macca said, this is art - shoes that people are capable of producing work of great beauty.
This soothed my soul, folks.
Steve [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 08/23/07 - 01:14:45 AM
Your comments are too, too kind & have really touched me, Steve...
Thank You so much for your great compliments!
Cheers & Regards Steve,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Great! &mdash 08/25/07 - 03:10:54 PM
What a beautiful setting for Rebsie's soulful, understated vocal. I love the vocal harmony you put in, on one phrase. It really does sound like something you might have heard at a royal court a half-millenium ago.
Reminds me of the old English folk song, "The Gypsy Rover."
The horns are just amazing! They sound like I should see King Henry the 8th coming round the corner. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers! &mdash 08/26/07 - 11:37:42 PM
What originally started out as a couple sound sketches, turned into something quite different. Rebsie's voice is the inspiration for this take, and I hope there is more to come in the future!
Many Thanks for the visit John, it's great to see your kind comments on this page!
Cheers & Regards,
Alf
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Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Sound the bright trumpets &mdash 02/09/08 - 11:53:26 PM
How did I overlook this? I thought I'd listened to all the minstrel boys.
You have the idiom down pat. This sounds pretty convincing. Eh, the notes. The samples are a bit too contemporary, but then, it's hard to find vielle and sackbut samples, rather than cello and trombone.... [ Reply to This ]
Apple-take note! &mdash 02/10/08 - 02:47:09 AM
LOL!-let alone trying to find shawm samples! Sheesh- what a bummer, Vic, Do you reckon we should ask Apple to release a set of Renaissance/Medieval sample instruments?
One can only hope...!
Thank You So much for passing by for a listen-
Cheers, & All the Best!
Alf [ Reply to This ]
Soul of Love &mdash 03/13/08 - 06:53:57 PM
wonderful rendition &mdash 03/13/08 - 06:54:19 PM
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But you tricked me, you little scamp, and this is instead something really sincere and genre-appropriate. Your understanding of this type of music is excellent and is spot on, which I guess is why you're so good at getting your hooks into all types of music and bending it to your will. I really have to compliment you on the mix and I've downloaded the song, not just because I like it (which I do) but because I want to pay attention to what you've done.
Really this is very well-done, Alf.
[ Reply to This ]