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
San'c Fuy Belha Ni Prezada
Mediæval Bæbes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ar sui d'aut en bas tornada
Qu'a un vilan sui donanad
Tot per sa gran manentia
E murria, S'ieu fin amic non avia
Cuy disses mo marrimen
E guaita plazen, Qui mi fesson d'alba
E mais el temps que plus dura
E non laisges per freidura
Qu'ieu leials gaita no sia
Tota via, Per tal que segurs estia
Fis drutz quan pren gauzimen
De dompna valen
E crit qanvei l'alba
The song "San'c Fuy Belha Ni Prezada" by Mediæval Bæbes is a beautiful medieval ballad about a woman who is not considered beautiful or precious by society but finds herself returning to her home regardless. She has been given away to a peasant by her father, but because of her great spirit, she finds love and friendship with him. The singer has no other friends, and she is grateful for the companionship of this person. She is happy in their company and surrenders herself to the moment, not thinking of the future.
The second verse speaks of the night being long and dark but the singer enjoys this time because she is in the company of the peasant. She implores the peasant not to leave her out in the cold, because she is a loyal watchman, and she cares not for appearances, so long as she is safe. The last verse addresses the joy the peasant takes in the company of the lady and how they both watch the sunrise in each other's arms.
This song speaks to the idea that one's value and worth should not be determined by society's standards of beauty or social status. The singer finds true happiness and love in the company of someone who is not considered to be of high standing, but who treats her with respect and kindness.
Line by Line Meaning
San'c fuy belha ni prezada
Although I am not beautiful or treasured, I have returned from above, but given to a peasant due to his great kindness. I would die if I did not have a faithful friend to whom I could express my sadness, and watch the pleasures that dawn brings.
Ar sui d'aut en bas tornada
I have come down from above.
Qu'a un vilan sui donanad
Given to a peasant.
Tot per sa gran manentia
All because of his great kindness.
E murria, S'ieu fin amic non avia
I would die if I did not have a faithful friend to whom I could express my sadness.
Cuy disses mo marrimen
And watch the pleasures that dawn brings.
E guaita plazen, Qui mi fesson d'alba
And watch the pleasures that dawn brings.
Bem platz longa nuech oscura
I enjoy a long, dark night.
E mais el temps que plus dura
And the longer it lasts.
E non laisges per freidura
And I am not left cold.
Qu'ieu leials gaita no sia
Because I have a loyal friend by my side.
Tota via, Per tal que segurs estia
Nevertheless, I am always alert to ensure my security.
Fis drutz quan pren gauzimen
Happy is the friend who finds joy.
De dompna valen
In the name of the brave lady.
E crit qanvei l'alba
And complains when dawn breaks.
Contributed by William N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.