Okay, I rarely ask for musical guidance, because I am frankly an arrogant bastard when it comes to the subject. But as I'm currently jonesing to expand my Renaissance/Baroque music horizons, and I know absolutely zero about the music of that period, I'm hoping that someone out there can throw me a few helpful hints.
Basically, I discovered Sunforest's "Overture to the Sun" several months back, when I found their 1969 LP, Sound of Sunforest, on some collector sharity site. I didn't care that much for the rest of the tracks on the album — which tend towards the cutesy end of the folk spectrum — but this instrumental (which was featured on the soundtrack of 2001: A Space Odyssey) totally transports me every time I hear it.
I understand that, in terms of feel and instrumentation, it's basically a Renaissance (or maybe Baroque?)-style composition, and I would really love to hear more music that sounds like this. No vocal/madrigal stuff, please — none of that "sumer is a cumin' in" bullshit — just the banging and wheezing of semi-ancient instruments, so that I may caper merrily about to it in codpiece and tights. Anyone?
Does Incredible String Band count? I can't stand their stuff, but I know they were famous for playing all kinds of Olde Wordle instruments.
Posted by: Vinnie Park | February 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Nah, Vinnie - I'm looking for something more (ahem) "traditional". And aside from "Painting Box" and a handful of other tracks, I can't stand the Incredible String Band either...
Posted by: Dan E | February 27, 2008 at 01:37 PM
My work computer won't let me listen to this, but what about Steeleye Span? They sometimes used modern instruments but sometimes did fairly authentic versions of medevil (how do you spell that?) folk tunes. I can even make ya a CD if you're interested.
Posted by: rich | February 28, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Rich, did Steeleye Span do any instrumentals? Cuz that woman's voice makes me want to peel off my own skin...
Posted by: Dan E | February 28, 2008 at 01:45 PM
They did some - in fact we used one on one of our wedding CDs - and the guys sang too. I'll have to pull out my stuff and give a listen and see what might not offend your delicate ers! ;)
Posted by: rich | February 28, 2008 at 01:55 PM