Notes From the Dragonlair

I have been enjoying my Brocelïande CD so much that I am going to point you to a link for my favorite song, "Carol of the Birds."  This is actually the song that introduced me to the group.  There are apparently about three carols called that, and I was looking for another version when I happened on this video. I am trying to find some music for it now...  Happy first Sunday of Advent!

Cool Things--Brocelïande

First of all, 

Today I'm going to share group that I just found with you--I have their Christmas CD, but I want to get the rest of them!

  Brocelïande is a quartet on the west coast that plays medieval and celtic music on modern instruments.  One of the things that really stands out to me is that they have a cello in their group as well as a harp which adds A LOT to the overall sound.  Plus, they play and sing very well!  Here is one of my favorite Youtube videos of them--Tha Mi Sgith.  

Here are some interesting things lifted shamelessly off the groups website:

*"Brocelïande plays Celtic music from the British isles and the Medieval and Renaissance music of the European courts and countrysides, with an emphasis on music inspired by or traditionally performed during each of the four seasons. Featuring stellar vocal and instrumental harmonies, their entrancing sound is built on the interweaving of up to 4-part vocals with the lyrical music of the Celtic harp, octave mandolin, cello, guitar, flutes, whistles, percussion, harmonica, and melodeon."

*"Our mission: to use historical music in a socially progressive way, to depict mankind in a healthy relationship to the environment, and to seek the liberation of the human spirit, both present and primordial, in as much as can be accomplished by music and song. . . and to have too much fun doing it!

*Just what does Brocelïande mean, anyway? 

Brocelïande is a fabulous, mystical forest deep in the heart of Brittany, France. According to Arthurian legend, in this magical place the fairy Viviane (or Nimue, according to some) entrapped the sorcerer Merlin . . . and he remains enchanted there to this day.
 
*And how does one pronounce the word Brocelïande? 

It's easy...bro SAY lee ahnd.

*Does Brocelïande use historically accurate instruments? 

No, Broceliande primarily uses instruments from the classical and modern era, we use modern six and twelve steel string guitars, and modern German recorders.

Cool Things!

Here is a fun link for all you knitting types--Lime n Violet's Daily Chum. Here you will find daily articles on fiber, free knitting patterns, Etsy shops of AMAZINGNESS, pretty yarn, book reviews, and new techniques.  You all wanted another fun thing to look at every day right?