Search - Mediaeval Baebes :: Salve Nos

Spare, unearthly recreations of medieval tunes and lyrics

Brianna Neal | USA | 10/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

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A lot of fun to listen to, worth having

A. Burchfield | Conway, Missouri USA | 12/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My first Mediaeval Baebes album was Undrentide, it had a lot of good stuff in it but mixed in some synthesizer sounds, this one is much better. Salva Nos is the Baebes first work and it is a very good album with no modern sounding instrumentation in it at all. Of the 16 tracks only 7 have ANY musical accompaniment, in many of those it is subtly done.
I can't say which is my favorite tune but everything has a medieval sound and feel to it, I love the way they got such a good harmony and sound going just with their voices. Singing in 13th to 15th century English or Latin, mostly (lyrics provided in both the original and modern tongue), these women clearly don't need musical instruments.
Buy this album for the good music, enjoy it for the lack of intrusive modern sounds."

Salva Nos

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 08/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was just at my favorite record store when I came across "Salvo Nos" in the used bins today. Being a big Mediaeval Baebes fan, I had to buy it. Besides it was the only cd by the group that I found in the bins that I didn't have. As always, I was not disappointed with "Salva Nos". I have yet to be disappointed with a MB cd. I noticed on "Salva Nos" that the minimal use of instruments. Very little percussion was used but otherwise the primary focus was on the women's beautiful voices.Judging by the lyrics on this album, the songs pretty much celebrates the birth of Christ. After a few seconds into the song "Veni Veni", I realized that this was the same Christmas carol I am used to singing otherwise known as "Emmanuel". There was not one song on "Salvo Nos" that I didn't like but then again I have yet to hear one song by the Mediaevel Baebes that I didn't like. I look forward to hearing more from this lovely group of women."