The Merry Musicians of Mooneschadowe

The Merry Musicians are a group of instrumental musicians practicing merrily in-person in the Province of Mooneschadowe and via Zoom throughout the kingdom. We perform en masse and in support of other pits at events in Ansteorra. We play a wide variety of early music (dance, chamber, etc.), including a bit of singing. If you would like to join us, send a missive with your name and instrument. (Literally, the more the merrier.)

Our History:

• Musicians began gathering in the Shire of Mooneschadowe to play music together in 1993 under the guidance of Llywelyn Bryddid ap Dafydd Hen and his harp.
• The additional founding players were Seoras Macabhaird (recorders), Rhiannon Redwulf (harp), Estrill Swet (drum), and JPF Tom (guitar).
• Our initial performances were Mooneschadowe’s Valentine’s Day Fundraisers and feasts at the Shire’s Guardian events.
• With the addition of Toinette de Cambrai in 1997 (and a surge in dancing interest), we began regularly playing for dancers, continuing as the North’s primary dance band for many years.
• During the time of plague in A.S. 55, we continued practicing via musica universalis —the harmony of the spheres— and connected with old and new members, both near and distant, through Zoom. (This is a practice we have continued.)
• Over time, our group has played for feasts, courts, peerage elevations, coronations, weddings, and list-side merriment. We have literally been the musical soundscape for the north of Ansteorra for three decades.

Membership

The Wall of Musicians below is listed by the year they first joined us. The MMs have always been a fluid group, welcoming and saying farewell to the good gentles who pass through. (Please note that I have done my best below, but if things need to be corrected, let me know. —Rhiannon Redwulf.)

1993:

• Llywelyn Bryddid ap Dafydd Hen (Harp)
• Seoras Macabhaird (recorders)
• Rhiannon Redwulf (harp)
• JPF Tom (guitar)
• Estrill Swet (bodhran, dumbek, sundry precussion)

1994:

• Nyssian of Mooneschadowe (harp)

1995:

• Sláine inghean Mhictíre (bodrahn)
• Blaiddistaw ap Blaiddu (recorders, crumhorn, and sundry)
• Cailean Babcock (psaltry)

1996:

• Walter Robin (fiddle, viola de gamba)

1997:

• Toinette de Cambrai (flute, piccolo, fife, harp)
• Liadan of Sparrowhaven (fiddle)

1998:

• Dunstana Talana the Violet (flute)

1999:

• Reis ap Tuder ap Wyn (sackbut, recorders, mandolin, guitar)
• Emma de Fetherstan (recorders)

2000:

• Wolfger von Sibenburgen (recorder)

2003:

• Gunhilda Adeleva Amberstar (flute, drum)

2005:

• Zoryna Prazan (recorders)

2006:

• Elsa von Schammach (handbells under duress)
• Charles the Grey (bass recorder)

The Merry Musicians take part in The Laureling Ceremony of Magdalena da Cadamosto, accompanying all of Mooneschadowe as they process in, singing.

2007:

• Drifa Mjǫksiglandi (recorders, mandolin, fiddle and rauschpfeife)

2009:

• Karl Thorgeirsson (percussion)

2010

The Merry Musicians play for Laureling ceremony of Master Tadhg mac Aedain Ui Chonchobhair at Coronation May 15, 2010. And then we play during the feast afterwards for Their Majesties Jean Paul and Gilyan.

2011:

• Haldane Sparhawk (percussion)

2018:

• Mikjall Stoti (recorder)
• Johannes von Olfen (recorder, harp)

2019:

• Chazlen Rook (fiddle)

2020:

• Rachel Farriester (fiddle, mandolin)

2021:

• Delphina de Champeaux (recorders)
• Elizabetha de Picardia (hammered dulcimmer)
• Dan Levine (recorder)
• Xene Theriane (harp & recorder)
• Llywelyn Gruffydd of Elfsea (recorder)
• Wyatt Studer (tin whistle)
• Daisy Shadley (recorder)

2022:

• Livvy Higbee
• Vannessa
• Zane

2023:

• Vitalis d'Mare (lute & baroque guitar)
• Milokhna della Riga
• Vigdis Grafeldr (hurdy gurdy and harp)
• Forrest Easton (guitar & fiddle)