January 2013 found Sonic Bothy musicians prising themselves away from cups of tea and hot water bottles to attend rehearsals, this time with time travel on the mind. We began our explorations into early music, welcoming Allan Wright to lead us through music from 14th – 17th Centuries.
We spent the months listening to and playing plainchant, folk dances, courtly dances, early keyboard music, battle songs and appreciating the diversity of music and ideas. Working with with hurdy gurdy and harpsichord, we explored the physical development of instruments and their sound worlds.
The development of musical ideas we found inspiring, and the reappearing of some ideas throughout the centuries gave us much food for thought.
Many thanks to Roy O’Neil for all his support with the harpsichord!