Concert by the Ensemble Obsidienne

As part of the‘Medieval October’ programme at Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica, come and enjoy an exceptional concert in the monument’s Gothic chancel. 

‘The Angel Musicians: Discovering Medieval Instruments’ by the Obsidienne ensemble

 The Obsidienne ensemble invites you to (re)discover the instruments played by the musical angels that adorn medieval churches and cathedrals. These instruments also feature in numerous manuscripts, the most famous being the Codex of the Musicians from the Cantigas de Santa María.

In Sens Cathedral, the sixty-two angel musicians of the northern rose window – known as the ‘Rose of Paradise’ – showcase the stylised instrumentarium of the late Middle Ages, featuring art music, folk music and pastoral music, drawing on biblical and symbolic instruments from ancient texts. Unfortunately, almost no instruments have survived the test of time. Iconography, musicology, musical practice and similarities with certain traditions that still exist today make it possible to reconstruct these instruments, which might otherwise have been thought lost. The Obsidienne ensemble breathes new life into ancient melodies by recreating the timbres of the medieval orchestra. Throughout the concert, you will hear more than twenty instruments: bowed viols, citola, crwth, rebec, jaw harp, clappers, triangle, vèze, bagpipes, double flute, flutes with three, six and eight holes, chalumeau, flute and drum, choron (stringed drum), horn, cornet, chalumeau, psaltery, tympanon, vihuela, conch shells, cymbals…

These instruments, which will captivate young and old alike, will be brought to life through a varied repertoire, notably the Cantigas de Santa María and songs from the Bayeux Manuscript.