The Bæbes's first album, Salva Nos (1997), shot straight to No 2 in the classical charts, a silver disc. Subsequent albums include Worldes Blysse (which went straight to No 1), Undrentide, (co-produced by John Cale), The Rose, and the Christmas-themed album Mistletoe & Wine.
Mirabilis (2005), was launched at a concert and party in London, August 2005. A self-titled DVD was released in July 2006. The first 300 preorders were autographed by the band and received a special mention in the DVD credits.
A live album was be released in December 2006 and featured two bonus studio tracks, An Itunes exclusive was also launched which added tracks not featured on the cd release and at this time still remain exclusive so is well worth tracking down.
The new album entitled Illumination was released via preorder on the bands website in Oct 2008 and as an added incentive to fans features two bonus tracks not included on the regular wholesale edition which has a Spring 2009 official release date. There has been concerns over the mastering of the album from fans which could account for the delayed release dates.
Each album features traditional medieval songs and poetry set to music, mostly arranged by Blake specifically for the ensemble, alongside varying numbers of original compositions. They sing in a variety of languages, including Latin, Middle English, French, Italian, Russian, Middle High German, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, modern English, Swedish and the nearly extinct Cornish. Their vocals are backed by medieval instruments, including the recorder and cittern, played by the singers or fellow musicians.
One of the group's founding musicians, Dorothy Carter, died of a stroke in 2003 at the age of 68. In addition to playing autoharp, hurdy gurdy, and dulcimer with the group, she performed the lead vocals on So Spricht Das Leben (Worldes Blysse) and L'Amour de Moi (The Rose).
Emily Ovenden, who sings with the group, is the daughter of artist Graham Ovenden.
The Bæbes' musical pieces run the gamut from extremely traditional, such as their version of The Coventry Carol on Salva Nos, to songs that feel traditional but are much more modern, such as their rendition of Summerisle, a song written for Robin Hardy's 1973 cult film Wicker Man. John Cale added non-medieval instruments, including saxophone and electric guitar, to some of the arrangements on Undrentide, although with subsequent albums the band returned to more traditional instruments. Even with these instruments, however, the band's current style is quite different from medieval authentic performance groups, as it displays significant modern influence.
Current Band Members:
Katharine Blake (Contralto, Recorders, Violin, Piano), Emily Ovenden (Soprano, Recorders, Concertina, Percussion), Ester Dee (Soprano), Claire Rabbitt (Contralto, Piano), Bev Lee Harling (Alto, Violin, Citern, Recorders, Guitar), Melpomeni Kermanidou (Mezzo Soprano, Piano)
former Band Members:
Dorothy Carter, Karen Lupton, Nicole Frobusch, Nichole Sleet, Carmen Schneider, Claire Ravel, Ruth Galloway, Teresa Casella, Rachel Van Ash, Audrey Evans, Marie Findley, Cylindra Sapphire, Sophie Evans, Maple Bee, Sofia Escobar, Maxine Fone
Official website: www.mediaevalbaebes.com
Salve virgo virginum
Mediæval Bæbes Lyrics
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The Latin lyrics of Mediæval Bæbes's "Salve virgo virginum" celebrate the Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus, emphasizing her purity and status as a guiding figure for faithful Christians. The first stanza greets Mary as the "Salve virgo virginum" - hail, virgin of virgins - and the "Salve sancta parens" - hail, holy mother. The following line reminds listeners that Mary is the mother of the Lord, but is untainted by sin, as the "Virgo labe carens" - virgin without blemish.
In the second stanza, Mary is praised again as the "salus fidelium" - salvation of believers - and for her role in the faith of Christians, as the "In Christo credentium" - in Christ's believers. The third stanza asks for Mary's aid as the "Sis in adiutorium" - be my help - and as a model for those who follow in her virtuous path, as the "Te nunc imitantium" - those who imitate you. The song concludes as it began, with the refrain of "Salve virgo virginum" and "Salve sancta parens," repeating the accolades given to Mary throughout the song.
Overall, "Salve virgo virginum" is a devotional hymn that praises Mary as a symbol of purity, holiness, and guidance for faithful Christians. The song can be seen as a form of prayer, asking for Mary's intercession and emphasizing her importance in Christian faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Salve virgo virginum
Hail, virgin of virgins
Salve sancta parens
Hail, holy mother
Concepisti dominum
You conceived the Lord
Virgo labe carens
Virgin free from stain
Tu salus fidelium
You are the salvation of the faithful
In christo credentium
Believing in Christ
Sis in adiutorium
Be our help
Te nunc imitantium
Following in your footsteps
Salve virgo virginum
Hail, virgin of virgins
Salve sancta parens
Hail, holy mother
Contributed by Mateo B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.