Re-Entry.mp3
The Minstrel
The artist and theatrical musician of the dark ages.
What a Minstrel is
The word Minstrel means "a little servant". Minstrels are primarily tied with the description of a medieval European bard who performed skits and songs whose lyrics told stories of far away places and events both of fact and fiction (though primarily the latter). Although a minstrel created many of his own works, it was quite common for them to memorize and embellish the works of others. It was common for a minstrel to be in the primary employ of Royalty or High society. Later on in the dark ages, Troubadours (a minstrel more performance based) began replacing minstrels in the higher social circles and therefore many minstrels then became "wanderin minstrels", performing in the streets. Many scholars believe it is the Minstrel that primarily influenced the rise of theatrical endevours such as show wagons and other various medieval street performers.
Minstrels were first and foremost entertainers, and would often employ other similar entertainers to perform with them during their various works.
Their works
A minstrels works primarily contained stories that strengthened the idea of a Knights Code of Chivalry and Courtly Love. Many of their songs were highly poetic to the point that most of their works were very much just poetry set to music. Minstrels not only performed music, but were known to be talented in other skills as well, such as: Juggling, Acrobatics, Dancing, Fire Eating, Conjuring, Buffoonery and even Animal Trainers.
The Minstrels Guild
As early as 1321 minstrels formed a guild in Paris and another was formed in England in 1469. Minstrels had to belong to one of these guilds or they were outlawed from practicing their craft.
- The harp
- The Fiddle
- The Rebec
- The Psaltery
- The Dulcimer
- The Hurdy-gurdy
- The Viol
- The Flute
- The Trumpet
- The Pipe
- The Shawn
- Recorder
- Bagpipe
- Crumhorn
- Gemshorn
- Lizard Horn
- Drums
- Cymbal
- Triangle
- Tambourine
Minstrel Workshop
A minstrel workshop is being held. In this workshop you will choose one instrument and either the idea of Knightly Courage or Courtly Love. Once the instrument and ideal have been chosen you must write a small ballad (song poem) with a basic tune on the instrument that is at least 16 bars in length. Remember to keep it simple and only a basic tune is necessary.
Example (taken from the show "Return of the King" as sung by the minstrel of Gondor:
Its so easy not to try
Let the world go drifting by
If you never say hello
You won't have to say goodbye
Its so easy not to try
Never stay around to cry
Move along when troubles come
Like a mindless butterfly
For what good is it to love
When the loving always ends
Travel on the road that's straight
Not the one with hills and bends
Its so easy not to try
Let the world go drifting by
If you never say hello
You won't have to say goodbye
Another good exercise to help prepare you for this workshop is to fill in the blanks in this next piece. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer! Just find something that rhymes (it doesnt necessarily have to rhyme) and makes sense! Look above for ideas and to see the pattern and rythm used.
There once was a man who sang a _________
Of valor and righteous _________
He set out on his quest to fight for __________
His tale that Ill tell rings of (or for) _________
NOW HAVE AT IT!
