Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: BLACK BOOKS OF HOURS and “BURGUNDIAN BLACK”

BLACK BOOKS OF HOURS & “BURGUNDIAN BLACK”
In the 1460s and 1470s there was a trend, as short-lived as it was spectacular, for producing Books of Hours on vellum which had been stained black. Short-lived, both because the iron-gall solution used rendered the vellum fragile (a nightmare for modern conservators) and because only a few rare and costly materials could be used for text and images. And spectacular, because they arose from the Court of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy, a cultural centre of spectacle, art, literature, music and fashion. Indeed it was at this court that black grew to become not just the colour of mourning, but pre-eminent among all colours as the embodiment of power and high status.

As usual some very fine examples of music from these black books will be performed with readings and wonderful illustrations. There will be appropriate refreshments afterwards of course. There might even be cake.

Sunday, June 23, 11am – 12pm

Tickets at the door ($20 / $10)