Diabolus In Musica

Diabolus in Musica are a merry band of professional minstrels who provide a truly authentic flavour of Elizabethan England. Their music, instruments and costumes are all accurately researched, but they are not hardened academics. They play music that's an instant hit with most audiences.

They use 16th century improvisation techniques to keep the music fresh. Every performance is different, and they make sure that the tempo, style and instrumentation change regularly. No-one gets bored at a Diabolus gig.

Diabolus in Musica are an obvious choice for any event with a Tudor theme, or Medieval if you're not being too precise. But the event doesn't have to be historical. Many people book them just because they sound good, look pretty, and make them laugh. They are experienced entertainers, and they specialise in breaking ice.

They blend in - no amplifiers, no music stands, no stage required. Just gorgeously attired musicians producing professional, colourful, exciting music, live and unplugged. And they're versatile. If the timings don't go to plan, they can adapt.

They provide more than just music. Paul's stentorian tones are useful for announcements, David can provide trumpet fanfares, and gadget addicts love the hurdy-gurdy. If your guests are up for a bit of participation, they'll get them singing, dancing and generally making fools of themselves. For really keen dancers, we invented the Tudor Ceilidh.

Authenticity without the boredom.

They maintain a large repertoire of 16th century popular music. Programmes are generally devised individually for each event, or sometimes improvised on the spot.

Examples: Merry Maids, Lusty Lads & Cheerful Cuckolds; The Stake, The Rack & The Gibbet; Elizabethan Christmas Celebration.

Historical Events

Tudor re-enactments, country fairs, open days at museums, castles and historic houses, exhibition launches, Hollywood-style medieval markets - their repertoire suits all sorts of events. Whether they are doing scheduled performances or operating as strolling minstrels, they create instant atmosphere. Photographers love their costumes, musicians and engineers love their instruments, promoters love their flexibility, and everyone loves their music.

The Tudor Ceilidh

The audience participation which they have always included in their performances has proved very popular, to the point where they were receiving an increasing number of requests for evenings based mainly around participation. So for clients whose main interest is in trying their hand at being Elizabethans, they have created The Tudor Ceilidh :

• Three costumed musicians, playing on a crateful of interesting authentic instruments.
• Lots of easy dances from the English and French courts, including the silly ones. You think The Birdie Song is embarrassing? Try the Branle des Chevaux from 1589.
• Jolly ballads with easy choruses for everyone to join in.
• Jests, theatrical happenings, fun and games.
• Background music for people to relax when they're breathless.
• Paul, as compere and caller, holding things together and keeping people going in the right direction at roughly the right time. In Elizabethan language, which has to be heard to be believed.  

They use 16th century improvisation techniques to keep the music fresh. Every performance is different, and we make sure that the tempo, style and instrumentation change regularly.

The Players

Paul Baker
The Frontman. Master of Revels, Lord of Misrule. Speaks fluent Elizabethan, sings, teaches people silly ballads and dances. Plays recorders, hurdy-gurdy, shawms, bagpipes, renaissance guitar and a few other intriguing beasties. The first choice for a soloist if your budget's tight. 

Pam Smith
One-woman string section. Fills out the harmony and makes the music suave and creamy. Plays lute, renaissance guitar, cittern, bagpipes and curtal.

David Jarratt-Knock
The Virtuoso. Has the dedication to play renaissance cornett. Plays all sorts of other things too, including trumpet, recorders, shawms, bagpipes and renaissance guitar.

Martin Cummins
The Collector. Makes and plays an astonishing and very impressive range of renaissance strings, including exotics like the archlute and orpharion. He's also a very fine piper.