We did a great deal of digging in the ETV Tape Vault to find this special 1969 ETV Classic! Arletta Raley, Musical Director of the educational series, Time for Sounds, featured the Madrigal Singers from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina performing under the direction of Dr. Charles Gaines. We find that the table is set for a feast, with beautifully costumed singers surrounding the table. Enjoy the madrigal music, Morris Dancers, and Merlin, the Court Magician who performs several feats of magic.
In addition to madrigal music, the singers perform Christmas standards including "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Here We Come a-Caroling," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." What do you think Merlin the Court Magician might do? Stay tuned!
Side Notes
- Western Music - Renaissance, Polyphony, Madrigals | Britannica
- Morris Dancers is a form of English folk dance. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers in costume, usually wearing bell pads on their shins, their shoes or both. A band or single musician, also costumed, will accompany them. Sticks, swords, handkerchiefs, and a variety of other implements may be wielded by the dancers. Morris dancing first appeared in England in the 15th century. Its earliest surviving mention dates to 1448 and records the payment of seven shillings to Morris dancers by the Goldsmiths' Company in London.
- Remembering Arletta Raley - Arletta Raley was an educational television producer for South Carolina ETV and a music educator for the SC Department of Education, creating many long-running series, such as Time for Sounds, Experiences in Music, and several holiday specials.
- Dr. Charles Gaines (1932 - 2018) - Obituary and Tribute Page.
