Mel Bay Presents the Chaucer Songbook

This scholarly book examines the role of the harp in the works of Chaucer and two other medieval writers, and explores music contemporary to them in original arrangements. The book opens with a thorough analysis of harps and harpers as they appear in the literature, providing insight into the role of the instrument in Medieval society. This is followed by musical selections from Chaucer and Chaucer's age arranged for voice and non-pedal harp. The songs in this collection are primarily the simple kinds of folk songs Chaucer mentions and gives his characters to sing in his stories, in contrast to the aristocratic French style of the day. Lyrics for these 13th and 14th century songs are in Latin and Middle English with generous translations. Thorough notes explain the origin of each song. The companion CD features 17 of the 21 songs in the book.Lloyd, Carol is the author of 'Mel Bay Presents the Chaucer Songbook' with ISBN 9780786631469 and ISBN 0786631465.