Songs/Hymns

[Crysiana]

I've been having a bit of a dilemma lately. I love music, particularly choral music or simple songs, and it would be my first choice of expressing devotion, but it seems as if there's a dearth of songs for Asatru. As compared to say, Christianity, which admittedly has had the time, people, and wherewithal to amass a lot of really great music. I know that there's Asatru music, of course, but I suppose I'm looking for something comparable to hymns - something that requires no or minimal accompaniment to sound okay. Does anyone have suggestions on places to look or investigate? Or even recommendations?

(I'll add that I am unfortunately not gifted with the skills to compose songs myself, either in terms of poetry or in terms of music.)

[Crossposted to M&R, sorry to those who'll see this twice.]  

[maenad nuri]

One of the groups I genuially like is Libana (I've got their CD A circle is cast). They've got some very beautiful songs that i find myself humming a lot. Not always "pagan" but beautiful works, a lot done in rounds.  

[Doctrix]

I know how you feel. I spent an hour Googling "Pagan chants" and adding search terms like "MP3" to download plenty of songs and learn to sing them. Another good way is to simply go to any public circles, fairs or workshops in your area that might teach songs or chants. Over the years I've amassed quite a few, and I note them in a book so that I can look them up and remember them later. I'm actually joining a local Pagan singing group called the Sacred Fire Choir next month.  

[saint dreya]

while not pagan, Anonymous 4 is really good just to simply listen to. their hymns (yes, sweatdrop i know, they are specifically christian) are phenominal!

also, try Loreena McKennitt, as some of her songs sound very pagan.  

[Pelta]

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D  

[Doctrix]

missmagpie

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

Great idea! Also, if you happen to know the tune to the children's round "Rose" (Rose, rose, rose, rose, will I ever see you red? Gentle blossoms; No more need be sad.) You can put other words to that. I've noticed that many of the Pagan songs I've learned seem to match up to the tune of "Rose!"  

[Pelta]

[Kudzu]

missmagpie

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

Great idea! Also, if you happen to know the tune to the children's round "Rose" (Rose, rose, rose, rose, will I ever see you red? Gentle blossoms; No more need be sad.) You can put other words to that. I've noticed that many of the Pagan songs I've learned seem to match up to the tune of "Rose!"

Oooh good idea! I don't actually know "Rose," but changing the words to childrens' songs is a great way to make chants. Not to mention you'd never forget them because "Baa baa black sheep" is probably ingrained in your memory for life.  

[maenad nuri]

phoenix shadowwolf

while not pagan, Anonymous 4 is really good just to simply listen to. their hymns (yes, sweatdrop i know, they are specifically christian) are phenominal!

YES!

(Sorry, polyphony nut here!)  

[TeaDidikai]

Asatru have a lot of songs based on Christian hymns.

The Wolves Will Bay is one of my all time favorites.



Could also look into Galdor.  

[Kal Eldritch]

missmagpie

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

Sudden-urge-to-play-guitar-in-Dorian...overwhelming...  

[TeaDidikai]

As long as we are on the topic of Asatru songs being put to other music:

Odin Loves the Little Vikings
(to the tune of Jesus Loves the little Children)

Odin loves the little Vikings
All the Vikings of the world
Whether drunk on ale or mead
In a boat or on a steed
Odin loves the little Vikings of the world.

Odin loves the little Vikings
All the Vikings of the world
If you're drunk and thrown in jail
Odin - and your axe! - are bail
Odin loves the little Vikings of the world.

Odin loves the little Vikings
All the Vikings of the world
Offer up an ox or two
And he'll be in debt to you.
Odin loves the little Vikings of the world.  

[Laruza]

missmagpie

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

A trained musician? I love it. You even knew added that the "laws" or "rules" of music of the time told you if you jump (preferably only in thirds) you must step back in the opposite direction. *points* Music History I, I can smell it on you!  

[Pelta]

Laruza

missmagpie

Pick a mode, let's say Dorian. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D Twas the precurser to the modern scale and what most Gregorian Chants are written in) Start on D. Move in steps or thirds in either direction. End on D. Add words. Bingo. mrgreen

If you have a piano, start on a D and just mess around playing only white notes and ending on D and you'll be in Dorian. Typically chants or hymns only go in thirds or steps. Just play around and find combinations that you like and sound nice. Remember the tune or write it down. Add words.

Thirds: D-F-E-G-F-A-G-B-A-C-B-D
Steps: D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

A trained musician? I love it. You even knew added that the "laws" or "rules" of music of the time told you if you jump (preferably only in thirds) you must step back in the opposite direction. *points* Music History I, I can smell it on you!

ninja

*Considers resurrecting music thread*

*smells like music history*  

[TeaDidikai]

Please do!

~has a pretty bowed Psaltery and would like to use it to review the lessons~  

[Demonizing]

can anyone give me someone to listen to i am in a it of a delamna