Historical Music
Rigantona play authentic music from a variety of periods, in appropriate and accurate costumes if required.
1) Viking, Anglo Saxon and Dark Ages (600 AD to 1066AD). The instruments played in the first millenium AD are relatively well understood, and Rigantona have a large collection of wind and stringed instruments, including horns, lyres, reedpipes, drums and harps, many made by Corwen. The music itself however has not survived. With detailed study of ancient musical traditions from the fringes of Europe, including Icelandic Rimur, Finnish Runo-laulu and Kantele playing, Faroese Ballad singing,and Sean Nos singing from Ireland, Rigantona hope to recreate a repertoire that is as historically accurate as possible whilst also being atmospheric and engaging to the modern ear. If you need more than music, a full Dark Ages Feast with storytelling, music and dance can be booked through our agents Catspaw. Hands on workshops exploring this period are also available.
2) Early Medieval (1066AD to 1350). Many stately dance tunes and beautiful songs are well documented from this period. Rigantona play them on authentic rebecs, harps, psalteries, shawm, not to mention the bagge-pypes... Rigantona can bring an authentic medieval atmosphere to your event, museum open day or wedding. If you need more than music a full medieval banquet with storytelling, jugglers and dance teachers can be booked through our agents Catspaw.
3) Napoleonic War. With Corwen sporting a Royal Marines uniform of Nelson's navy, and Kate resplendant in mop-cap, full skirt and riding jacket, Kate and Corwen can recreate the songs and music of the early 19th century on Pipe and Tabor, Fiddle, Parlour Guitar and of course if necessary bagpipes...
Listen to some samples:
Viking music on Kantele (Baltic Psaltery) and Jouhikko (bowed lyre).
Viking music on Willow Flute and Frame Drum.
Early Medieval music, 'Dans Royale', on Bagpipes and Shawm.
18th Century song , 'Sovay', Mandolin and Parlour Guitar.
Napoleonic War song, 'Will You Go To Flanders', Parlour Guitar.
Napoleonic War dance tune, 'Green Cockade', Pipe and Tabor, Parlour Guitar.