In the Duchy of Normandy

Medieval show around the Bayeux Manuscript "At the Duchy of Normandy" is the title of song III from the Bayeux Manuscript. This manuscript, preserved at the National Library of France, is a richly illuminated collection of around a hundred anonymous songs from the late 15th century. What do these popular songs from Normandy tell us in the middle of its millennium? The medieval choir of the Orphéon de Bayeux has taken this diverse corpus to create a living performance in costumes, blending sung, dramatized, and danced scenes to rediscover the daily life, concerns, and traditions of the Normans of that time. - In this compilation of fashionable airs, there are satirical and humorous songs, drinking songs, and more political and historical songs (regional references), not to mention courtly and popular love. The show is structured in five tableaux: "In Spring," "Time of War," "Courtly Love," "Rustic Loves," "At the Tavern." Each tableau is introduced by an instrumental piece performed by the "Harmonia Cordis" ensemble from Langrune-sur-mer, which also accompanies some singing and dancing. - We hear melodies in solo voice, by women, men, or tutti, and polyphonies composed during the same period on these melodies. Verses from other songs are recited to highlight the features of the Norman dialect and the pronunciation in Old French. A guest ensemble, the "Courtlye Musick" quartet from Dorchester (a twin town of Bayeux), provides the first part of the show with English music from the late Middle Ages. Finally, an exhibition allowing discovery of the Bayeux Manuscript, the musical work, and its historical context is presented to the public (labels in French and English), accompanying the show at various performance venues. Practical information: All audiences Duration: 1h30 Free France / United Kingdom Cooperation Partnerships: "Courtlye Musick" ensemble from Dorchester "Harmonia Cordis" ensemble from Langrune-sur-mer