In the Duchy of Normandy

Medieval Show around the Bayeux Manuscript

"In the Duchy of Normandy" is the title of Song III of the Bayeux Manuscript. This manuscript, preserved at the National Library of France, is a richly illuminated collection of about a hundred anonymous songs from the late 15th century.

What do these popular songs from Normandy tell us about the middle of its millennium?

The medieval choir of the Orphéon de Bayeux has taken hold of this diverse corpus to create a lively 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 forgetting courtly and popular love.
The show is organized into 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 ensemble "Harmonia Cordis" from Langrune-sur-mer, which also accompanies some songs and danced passages.

- One can hear melodies sung by women, men, or in tutti, and polyphonies composed at the same time on these melodies. Verses from other songs are recited to highlight the traits of the Norman dialect and the pronunciation in Old French.

A guest ensemble, the quartet "Courtlye Musick" from Dorchester (twinned with Bayeux) provides the first part of the show with English music from the late Middle Ages.

Finally, an exhibition allowing visitors to discover the Bayeux Manuscript, the musical work, and its historical context is presented to the public (labels in French and English), accompanying the show at the various performance locations.

Practical Information:
All audiences
Duration: 1h30
Free

Cooperation France / United Kingdom
Partnerships: Ensemble "Courtlye Musick" from Dorchester
Ensemble "Harmonia Cordis" from Langrune-sur-mer