Sixteenth-century York was the home of the Yule Riding, a celebration of the
12 days of Christmas in which the Norse midwinter festival and the Nativity came together in
legitimised disorder. A fine CD, produced by Beautiful Jo Records, allows us to share the fun.
The musicianship is superlative, with sackbuts, lutes and shawms joining recorders,
hurdy-gurdy and clear vocals. The songs come from all over Renaissance Europe and the
moods range from boisterous revelry via delicate piety to poignant meditation. Yule Riding
costs £12.99 from Beautiful Jo Records, 86 Marlborough Road, Oxford OXI 4L5.
Tel: 01865 249194
www.bejo.co.uk
TOM DEVESON
NOVEMBER 12 2004 TES TEACHER