Customer Reviews

Salva Nos

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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."

While I do agree that Mediaeval Baebes' Salva Nos is not myfavorite of their trio of Album I still have to say that it is a .. good CD and well worth the price! These girls have guts that not very many other artists I know have. They are not afraid to try new things as anyone with ears can hear if they listen to all three albums. They are, simply put, talented.

This is not an album for those seeking perfection...but in myopinion this is a near perfect album. I actually like this betterthan most medieval choral music that i have heard, simply because it has a warmth and life to it that the normal church music of this time cannot express.

This is beauty, it is much less cold than those statues of picturesque angels, it is more like a tear streaked face lifting itself to the light with hope, painfully human. I find beauty here that is not expressed by the precision of other more "traditionalistic" bands, such as Anonymous 4.

I myself am not particularly one for songs of christian music at all, yet this cd has given me a beautiful view of the way things might have been. In times of medieval darkness, plague, and poverty, the common people turned to the new arising faith in heart wrenching song to seek answers. Their songs of praise and thanks for good tidings shook the walls with soul-sung happiness. Even though much stucture was used in these songs, the human voice soars above all, brings a life pulsating to that order, which encompasses the universe.....

My congrats to these beautiful ladies and their wonderful vocal and musical accomplishments.

They must be good.....after all they got a pagan goth chick to listen to christian music and see the beauty....and give it 5 stars!

I really like the Baebes. I first saw them in London sort of by accident. There is really nothing quite like them out there. They take old (very old) music and poetry and give it new life. This is not stuffy chamber music nor opera. It is high quality vocals with some playfulness thrown in. You can tell that they are really enjoying themselves. This is truly wonderful stuff. I have given this as a gift on many occasions and the recipients have also thought it was wonderful.

Mediaeval Baebes are the new project from Miranda Sex Garden's very own Katherine Blake. The Mediaeval Baebes are probably the most literally "gothic" group around: most of their material dates to the fourteenth century! The Baebes are a changing cast of over ten female choir members, mostly from Britain. The album is classically minded, and the traditional arrangements of the music are by Katherine. The instrumentation is also traditional: recorders, hurdy-gurdy, and harp. Salva Nos seems to move from towering cathedrals to spooky wooded glens, from light to darkness and round again. Its not the darkest of records (for thos looking for something "goth"), but its artistry is superlative. The sixteen tracks include "Salve Virgo Virginum", "So Treiben Wir Den Winter", "The Coventry Carol", "Gaudete", "Lo Here My Hert". Fans of the first Miranda Sex Garden album Madra are sure to love this record. Also strongly suggested for members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Role Playing Game afficianados, and anyone who loves Renaissance Fairs! Salva Nos will bring a touch of class to anyone's compact disc collection. A beautiful record issued by Virgin America.

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."

Finally! Ancient chants and songs with the empahasis on soul rather than academic perfection. There is very little else out there where this wonderful music is approached with such spirit and sensuality.

I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this as their first Mediaeval Baebes CD. It's nowhere near as accessible as, say, Undrentide. The majority of tracks are religious (Christian, that is) in content, from Christmas carols ("Coventry Carol" or an ethereal version of "Veni, Veni" - better known as "Oh come, oh come, Immanuel") to funeral dirges ("This Ay Nicht", also known as the "Lyke Wake Dirge") and frankly the album doesn't display the range or sheer pagan fun of their later offerings. I wouldn't describe "Salva Nos" as "risible" but certainly would suggest listening to some of the Baebes' later recordings rather than Salva Nos before making a decision on whether to buy any more of their material. Some of the tracks on this album are definitely an acquired taste. Once you've acquired the taste, you'll want to hear them again, though!

I first heard the Baebes at a renaissance festival about 4 years ago and they were incredible. Their voices are beautiful and many of the songs are haunting. I just bought this album, i received it today, and it's beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in something different. And if you ever get a chance to see the Baebes live, don't think twice, they're great!

Having been introduced to the Mediaeval Baebes through their singing of Aria by Delerium, I found them to be refreshing to listen to. I will be purchasing their other albums as soon as possible.