Ancient Noëls
Maggie Sansone & Ensemble Galilei

medieval.org
worldcat.org
maggiesmusic.com
Maggie's Music MMCD 108
1993

1. Cantiga de Santa Maria, No. 48  [3:35]   CSM 48
— In medieval Spain, musicians from the court of Alfonso X (know as "El Sabio the Wise") created a large collection of cantigas or songs to praise the miracles of the Virgin Mary. They were derived from popular folksong and church plainchant.
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp SR, recorders JB MD, treble viol CAS, hand drum BH

2. Gloucestershire Wassail / Tomorrow Will Be My Dancing Day /The Sussex Carol  [3:15]
— Three traditional English carols spanning the 16th to 18th centuries. Wassail is from the Anglo-Saxon phrase, "wes hal." It means "to be whole," and serves as a cheerful holiday greeting.
• hammered dulcimer MS, fiddle BR, guitar & cittern ZML

3. Hoboekentanz / Schafertanz  [6:00]
— Two 16th century, four-part dance settings from the "Danserye," published in 1551 by the popular printer, composer, and musician, Tielman SUSATO (1500-1563).
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp SR, recorders JB MD, concertina JB, bass viola da gamba CAS, psaltery MD, hand drums & tambourine BH

4. O Bethlehem / Bethlehem's Stall / A Maiden Was Adoring God, The Lord / Great Gentlefolk, Hold And Bethink You  [5:02]
— 15th century carols from the Basque region (which encompasses the southwest part of France and the northwest [sic] part of Spain).
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp SR, recorders JB MD, concertina JB, bass viola da gamba CAS

5. The Bellman's Song  [3:50]
— Two versions of the traditional English carol from the 17th century, also know as "The Moon Shines Bright," with variations. hammered dulcimer.
• hammered dulcimer MS

6. The Truth Sent from Above  [4:33]
— Two versions of a traditional English carol that blends the plain chant and folksong origins of the melody.
• hammered dulcimer MS, cittern ZML, treble viol & bass viola da gamba CAS, hands drums & tambourines BH

7. Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True / Riu, Riu, Chiu  [3:30]
— An English medieval carol and a popular Spanish tune from the Renaissance
• hammered dulcimer MS, recorders JB MD, fiddle BR, bass viola da gamba CAS, hand drum & tambourine BH

8. I Must Go Gather Comfort / There Was A Maid So Lovely / When Judah's Loyal Soul Alone  [6:05]
— The chant-like quality of these 15th century Dutch carols ring with the mystery of the origins of Christmas.
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp SR, recorders JB MD, pennywhistle MD, bass viola da gamba CAS

9. Cantiga, a Madre Do Que Livrou  [3:33]   CSM 4
— A Spanish medieval song.
• hammered dulcimer MS, treble viol CAS

10. Whenas The Rose Of Jericho / A Year Begins Of Joy And Grace / To Us A Little Child Is Born  [3:30]
— This set of 15th century Dutch carols opens with the haunting sounds of the bowed psaltery, which is a zither originating the Middle East.
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp, recorder JB, psaltery MD, bass viola da gamba CAS, hand drum, tambourine & finger cymbals BH

11. Donkey's Carol / The Friendly Beasts  [3:20]
— A French medieval tune know in Latin as "Orientus Partibus". During the Middle Ages, it was sung as a processional while a donkey rode into the cathedral. The second tune is a traditional French children's carol derived from the medieval version.
• hammered dulcimer MS, fiddle BR, guitar ZML, bass viola da gamba CAS, hand drum & bells BH

12. Here Betwixt Ass and Oxen Mild / The Golden Carol  [2:45]
— Traditional 18th century French and English carols. "Golden Carol" tells of the three kings' journey across the desert towards Bethlehem. Listen for lumbering camels!
• hammered dulcimer MS, recorders JB MD, fiddle BR, guitar ZML, bass viola da gamba CAS, hand drums BH

13. In the Bleak Midwinter  [2:35]
— A beautiful melody from the "English Hymnal," now a traditional favorite. Published in 1906, it was composed by Gustav HOLST (1874-1934).
• hammered dulcimer MS, Celtic harp SR

Maggie Sansone — hammered dulcimer

Ensemble Galilei
Jim Brooks — recorder, concertina
Marcia Diehl — recorder, psaltery , pennywhistle
Sue Richards — Celtic harp
Carolyn Anderson Surrick — treble viol, bass viola da gamba

Guest Musicians:
Ben Harms — hand drums and medieval tambourine
Zan McLeod — cittern, guitar
Bonnie Rideout — Scottish fiddle


Producer: Charlie Pilzer

℗ & © Maggie Sansone