More than 100 people enjoy Book of Deer event at Pluscarden Abbey
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AN AUDIENCE of more than 100 people attended a performance of music in Pluscarden Abbey to celebrate the return of the Book of Deer to Scotland.
The Book of Deer is a 10th century portable gospel written in dog Latin, but with later insertions in Gaelic written in the margins. These are the first known written appearance of the Gaelic language.
The historic book relates to Deer Abbey in Aberdeenshire, where it was found.
To celebrate its return to the north-east – on a three-month loan from the University of Cambridge – a series of cultural events are being held throughout the north-east.
Composer Richard Ingham was invited to compose a suite of music reflecting the Book of Deer and its place in the religious life of the area, which he then performed at Pluscarden Abbey on April 30.
The performance started with a procession of the musicians through the audience, striking bells. This was followed by 12 short sketches, each illustrating some aspect of the life of a religious order and that of the surrounding community.
Plainsong played on the saxophone and, accompanied by a drone produced by the bass player using a bow on her electric bass guitar, was particularly effective.
The artists perform under the name ‘Strangeness and Charm’ and a CD of the music is available through the usual outlets. It can also be found on YouTube and Spotify.
