Mostly musicology: Aelred bashing hocket

Haven’t had time to post recently.  I’ll try to get back on my game.  In the meantime, enjoy this description from Aelred (c. 1109-1166).  He doesn’t appear to be very pleased with the new music the kids are trying out in...

Mostly musicology: Adam the Hunchback

Adam de Halle (13th century) is quite rightly the most famous of the trouvères.  He was also commonly known as Adam le Bossu (Adam the Hunchback).  Funny thing is, we have record of him explaining that it was a family name and that he wasn’t personally...

Mostly musicology: sing or be eaten by bears

Mostly musicology will be a new set of posts of music history stories that I find amusing.  The first entry is John Abell (1653-?).  Scottish composer, countertenor and lutenist.  The Groves dictionary has this wonderful story.”Upon his arrival at...

Little Garden Bestiary

The fabulous Betsy Bobenhouse was able to get a little funding together for a commission to write a piece for her student recorder ensemble.  Having never written for recorder ensemble before, I quickly sent of messages to composer friends asking for...