So, it's been a while! And a few things have happened.
We had a most excellent demo at the Staffordshire Hoard exhibit at the National Geographic Museum. Something like 700 guests, most of whom asked intelligent, interested questions. I performed "Wulf and Eadwacer" and "Sweetest Lover," although they seemed to fall a bit flat. Lady Deirdra O'Bardon recited some of 'Beowulf,' and incidental music was played throughout the day. Mostly, I was kept busy answering questions about the instruments and music!
I also learned, finally and I think authoritatively, how to wear a late-Saxon headwrap! It uses one plain pin at the nape of the neck (a common grave find) and looks like the manuscript drawings. I will try and draw a picture and upload it as a blog post. I wish I knew the name of the lady who showed it to me, although she said she learned it from yet-another Scadian. Uncredited Scadians, I salute you!
In the run-up to the demo, I dug out my "Lost Songs of a Rhineland Harper" CD by Sequentia. And wouldn't you know what's on it? "Sweetest Lover"! Their interpretation is as a dance carol, not a torch song, I assume on the strength of the 'et a et o' refrain (which is similar to other, later carol refrains). I think I do find their tune more compelling than mine, and I may start performing it both ways.
My article on Constructive Criticism was added to Stephan's Floregium, which was nice.
And I'm traveling to Winter University in two weeks to teach. I proposed three classes, all of which were requested; as of right now, only two were accepted. No skin off my nose (three is a lot) but I've kicked it back to the requestor to see if the one they picked is the one of two she'd rather I teach.
Right now, the offerings are "Constructive Criticism" (first time offered as a class) and the brand-new "How to Write a Research Paper," which should have class notes appearing here soon. The venerable "Research and Documentation for the Performing Arts" is the other class which may, or may not, be available.
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