Medieval music - In Rama sonat gemitus, Anon 12th century

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Description

'In Rama sonat gemitus' (The sound of weeping is heard in Rama) is an anonymous work (conductus) found in the French manuscript source Wolfenbüttel 677. Using biblical allusion, it comments directly on the exile of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, from England to France in 1164. Although eventually returned to England in 1870, he was murdered just a few months later. This dates In Rama sonat gemitus to the years of his exile: 1165-1170.

Performed as a processional of 'weeping women' as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival concert 'A Mediæval Celebration', Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide. Recorded live in concert by Rosemary Beal, 5MBS.

Singers:
Rachel Sag
Beth Christian
Raphaela Mazzone
Rosemary Byron-Scott
Kate Tretheway
Fiona O'Connor
Melinda Pike
Anna Pope
Instruments:
Rebecca Witt (rebec)
Damien Day (viola)
James Cowling (bass viol)

Text:
In Rama sonat gemitus
plorante Rachel Anglie:
Herodis namque genitus
dat ipsam ignominie.
En eius primogenitus
et Joseph Cantuarie
Exulat (? - or 'si sit') fisto venditus Egiptum colit Gallie.

English translation by Bernard Mageean:
The sound of weeping is heard in Rama -- the 'Rachel' of England is in tears. A new King Herod has visited upon her this ignominy. Behold the first-born of the realm, Canterbury's own 'Joseph' now, has been sold into slavery, and forced to inhabit the 'Egypt' of France.
[The reference is to the quarrel between Henry II and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, which led to Becket's exile in France.]

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