I was asked to back up the only mod here and I have accepted. My goal is to help keep this sub chill and welcoming. One of my first actions was to go through the flair tags we have now and add some clarifying language to a few of them.

As a result, the “Medieval” flare specifies “pre-1500s” music. “Neo-Medieval” is for medieval songs done with a modern twist (modern instruments, modern arrangements). Rock, Metal, and Renaissance remain as they are. I added “18th and 19th century” to Folk. The biggest change is for “Other”—I added “fantasy, taverncore” to this one, to cover original music that evokes medieval vibes but has nothing medieval about it whatsoever.

I am not going to restrict “Other” postings to only one day a week or month unless a lot of them suddenly come in. But I do appreciate the original composers since I can’t compose worth a darn.

I’ve added flair for European and Non-European. For the latter, think Japanese court music, music from medieval China, Ottoman court music of the 16th century, and music of Andalusian Spain. Ladino music may also fit this flair.

Another thing I’d like to see posted in here—any educational videos about medieval music. Farya Faraji has put out some very good info. There’s some really great videos recently about obscure and not so obscure medieval and Renaissance instruments. The Creative Contessa has lovely ones about medieval and Renaissance dance.

And one more thing—medieval music resources! Stuff like sheet music, for free or for sale, and instruments.

Off to create new flair tags now! Any questions, please let me know!

Does “neomedieval” music belong here? If not, does it belong in the bardcore subreddit?

I think one of the problems here is a lot of people don’t understand what makes medieval music, well, medieval. It’s hard because we all live in a world that is dominated by contemporary Western music theory and performance practice. Those who have conservatory or taken music classes have had their knowledge filtered through a classical music lens, which is VERY different from the practices adhered to by medieval composers.

A lot of original “neomedieval” music is not written in medieval modes or performed according to medieval music practice. There ARE neomedieval bands who take actual medieval songs, but they’re often performing them in modern ways (overlaying chords or breaking from organum to create chord-based harmonies not found in the original music and using modern instruments like the Irish bozouki).

But when someone labels their original fantasy LOTR-inspired work or their “music from a D&D tavern” piece with the tag “Neomedieval” or “medieval,” it’s muddying the waters as to what makes that piece of music “medieval.”

As one of my very wise bellydance teachers said, “Fusion is fine, fusion is great. But know what you are fusing, what those elements are. Fuse, don’t confuse!”

For the purists here: don’t assume people know what medieval music is, when they share their pieces here. But for the fusionistas, understand why the purists get irritated.

I for one think it would be neat if someone took lesser-known medieval songs and based compositions around them for their fantasy music pieces. Others may not.

And finally getting to my point…yes, as “bardcore” has been often defined, it’s taking modern pop songs and “medievaling” them up with medieval instruments but honestly there are a lot of modern instruments being used there as well (the Irish bouzouki, the mandolin, modern hammered dulcimer, and violins). I think a lot of the taverncore and fantasy core really belongs in that sub too (unless they are compositions based on medieval songs, or using modal theory in how they are composed, or even medieval instruments, say citoles instead of mandolins).

Hey fellow adventurers!

I wanted to share something that might spark some inspiration for your campaigns or just add a bit of medieval whimsy to your day. Picture this: a bustling medieval town, a cozy (yet chaotic) tavern with warped floors, a clumsy cook, a mischievous raccoon, and even a ghostly bard who sings tales of lost treasure. Welcome to the Tipsy Turnip Tavern!

I’ve been creating bardic songs and stories inspired by this quirky setting, and it’s been such a blast diving into this world. Each song explores a tale from the tavern’s colorful history—some hilarious, some spooky, but all full of heart.

Here is the latest song https://youtu.be/1F33qSsxokY and the full playlist in chronological order https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMrVimODpavxNXs-VSxr4fFQd4Cg-AEQK

If you’re a fan of medieval taverns, bardic tales, or just need some ideas for a tavern in your D&D campaign, I think you’d enjoy these stories. They’ve already inspired some fun moments in my own games!

What’s your favorite type of tavern tale? A ghostly mystery? A drunken brawl? A cooking disaster? Let’s swap ideas—I’d love to hear what makes your favorite tavern moments unforgettable. And if you’re curious to hear the songs, I’d be happy to share!

Cheers and may your ales never run dry!

https://youtu.be/DqcH5WFDdWU?si=AkMSpGb5Lh_NUn2w

Is there a creator of Medieval Gitterns in the USA? I am trying to find a beginner model that does not cost an arm and a leg.

Hey guys! My first show here, i am attending german bands Faun show soon, and i am wondering how long does it usually take, if anyons knows?

Thank you so much, have a nice day!!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a comprehensive book that includes both original medieval sheet music and their modern staff notations. Does anyone know of a good resource or text that fits this description? I'm particularly interested in something that offers detailed transcriptions and perhaps some historical context as well.

To broaden the scope of this search, the book can be written in Italian, French, English, or Spanish, as these are the languages I understand.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!