Walther von der Vogelweide Life and Music

This presentation will explore the cultural relevance of the music of Walther von der Vogelweide, in particular his song Palästinalied. A subsequent discussion about his life, and the European and Middle Eastern worlds in which he lived towards the end of the 12th Century. This will provide insight into his literary work, and contribute further to our understanding of the Crusades. In conjunction with perspectives on his life and times, it is intriguing to note the emergence of the German language in the vernacular, at a time, when Latin was the main written language of Christendom. What makes this such a powerful example of medieval music and culture, is that it is extremely rare since both the lyrics and semblances of early sheet music survived together on manuscripts throughout the Middle Ages into modern times. Finally, the presentation will end in a culminating experience of a rendition of the song, which I will play on the recorder, and conclude by singing a couple of verses