The York Waits With Deborah Catterall - Christmas Musicke

In Renaissance Europe most of the large towns and cities had official musicians. Dating from medieval times up to the beginning of the 19th century these musicians in England were known as Waits. They had numerous duties which varied from town to town. Sometimes they would be playing for civic events throughout the year and special occasions such as welcoming royal visitors. The responsibilities could be quite mundane such as playing their instruments through the town at night, waking the townsfolk on dark winter mornings by playing under their windows. Several years ago The York Waits revived the band as it would have been in its heyday in 16th century York. Playing instruments of the time such as English bagpipes, shawms, saggbutt, crumhorns, curtails and hurdy-gurdy the York Waits present a varied programme of typical Christmas music gleaned from Waits' traditions throughout Europe. Some of the material will be familiar being Christmas songs and tunes will still know today. The Waits are joined by singer, Deborah Catterall.