Tracy and Sian lead the Fordham Collegium Musicum in a performance of the Roman de Fauvel.

Part social satire, part moral allegory, part wry (and at times ribald) entertainment, the Roman de Fauvel provides a window into our times as much as it did into 14th-century France. Half-man and half dun-colored horse, the title character bears a name which serves as a witness to his failings: Flaterie, Avarice, Vilanie, Varieté (fickleness), Envie, Lascheté (cowardice). Raised to prominence by a bevy of unscrupulous counselors who curry his favor at every turn, Fauvel determines to make permanent his position by marrying Dame Fortune herself. What happens next will be no surprise to anyone familiar with Fortune’s proud and fickle nature. The Collegium weaves together spoken French and English texts with chant, polytextual motets, solo songs, and duets to tell this fabulous tale.

Performers:

Tracy Cowart, Director (voice, harp, percussion)

Sian Ricketts. Co-Director (voice, recorders, douçaines)

Stephen Bloch (voice, recorder, harp)

Kaitline Caginalp (harp)

David Dickey (voice, recorder)

Jim Hopkins (voice, symphonia)

Amanda Jean (voice)

Elena Kalvar (voice)

Mia Kovalyak (voice)

Kristine Lazdauskas (voice)

Ben Matus (voice, recorder)

Amanda Sidebottom (Voice, recorder)

Philip Wines (voice)