Tudor Music for the PoorTudor Music for the Poor The Medieval era of travelling minstrels and troubadours which had been traditionally enjoyed as Tudor music for the poor had passed with the coming of the bubonic plague. Strangers and travellers were looked upon with fear and suspicion during the period of the Tudors. Travelling was strongly discouraged by successive Tudor governments and licenses were introduced for Tudors who required for any type of travel. Tudor Street Music for the Poor Street and tavern musicians replaced the travelling minstrels. During the Renaissance era of the Tudor dynasty theatre music was also introduced and enjoyed as Tudor music for the poor. Wealthy Tudors hired musicians to play during dinner. Tudor street music for the poor was played at weekly markets and village fairs. Sixteenth century Feasts, Fairs and Festivals were common occurrences and were celebrated during specific times of the year (most of which were dictated by the Church and religious festivals.) The instruments played to provide the poor with Tudor Street sounds were light and easily carried. The musical instruments included fiddles, the lute, recorders and small percussion instruments. The songs and ballads sang by the Tudor street musicians were the traditional favorites - a far cry from the refined music of the Tudor court. Tudor Town Music for the poor - the 'Waits' The Waits - There were traditional official musicians in the large English towns who were called the Waits which were equivalent to a town band whose music was enjoyed by the poor people during the period of the Tudors. The Waits dated back to the early medieval era when they accompanied town watch. The Waits were supplied with high-pitched pipes or hautboys which were similar to the modern oboe. These musical instruments became known as Waits Pipes and were first used to sound alarms. The role of the Waits gradually evolved into groups of musicians employed by the towns. The Waits musicians were expected to compose and play music for important town and civic ceremonies and special occasions. The Waits therefore provided free concerts for everyone, financed by the town. Tudor Music for the Poor Each section of this Tudors website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about Tudor Music for the Poor. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Tudors! |