Commissioned by the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Durham University

‘Codex’ explores the connection between Northumbria and the rest of the known world as expressed in the art and manuscripts produced in North East England between 600 and 800AD, particularly the famous Lindisfarne Gospels.  At this time, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria was a creative powerhouse overflowing with a multicultural fusion of Insular, Germanic, and Mediterranean art. 

This projection and sound installation was designed as a touring installation work across North East England for interior viewing, to engage with the public and increase understanding of the Lindisfarne Gospels and the context of their creation.

The university supported Karen Monid and Ross Ashton, the projection artist, in its research and development. The audio combines the sounds of many languages of the time with location recordings made by Karen on Holy Island itself, to convey the world of the Lindisfarne monks and the process of manuscript creation. Script development and storyboarding for the narrative arc was also undertaken by Karen. The images are built from complex layers of animation, filmed footage, and original images from The British Library and others. 

https://vimeo.com/1098722978
https://youtu.be/wTIoYtHisXY?si=8sYIvUgQgu0vyMes

RESULTS:
“I was blown away when I watched it this morning for the first time. I’ve popped back in and out all through the day because once isn’t enough to watch it! It is atmospheric but actually it draws you in, in a beautiful way, to that world. So many people today, who have come to see the projection have used the word ‘atmospheric’. It’s creative and unusual and really exciting.” - Revd Canon Dr Sarah Hills, Vicar of Holy Island

“I like the sound effects with the colours and hearing the story of all the people involved…it makes it all very real because they were real people, doing real things.” - Renee, a visitor.

Codex

Codex (excerpt)

Commissioned by Magnetic Events and Redcar & Cleveland Council
Created for the Odin’s Glow art event.
It has also exhibited at the Illuminating York Festival and the ‘Languages, Myths and Finds’ conference at the University of Nottingham.

This large scale sound installation was a deeply evocative celebration of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon culture, heritage and landscape of the North East of England.
Created as a surround sound work to be experienced after dark, it was situated in an open field in the rural landscape of Cleveland, from a vantage point where the peak of Roseberry Topping would be visible. 
Drawing on a blend of Viking and Anglo-Saxon poetry, riddles and purpose built instruments such as a 10th century reproduction lyre and handmade bone flutes, it sought to give voice to the memories of the land and the people that once lived there. All voices were members of the public who volunteered to be recorded. Built to form an evocative tapestry of seven different languages, (modern Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, alongside the original medieval languages) it sought to reflect linguistic heritage as well as the rich culture of the past and the scale of the autumn landscape.

“The village was filled for several nights with runes, battle-ready warriors, the sounds of hearth-fires and ravens and Old Norse poetry. Karen Monid’s sound piece, Contours, sought particularly to unite the Old Norse with Old and Modern English, and to lead people into a more nuanced understanding of the culture of Norse settlers – by first enticing them in with the romantic strangeness of the stereotype.” - Jo Shortt Butler, 'The Vikings In Cleveland'

Contours

Contours (The Seer - excerpt)

Contours ("The Land Is Holy" - excerpt)



1. Messe Royale de Versailles – D’après les Manuscrits de la Maison de Bourbon
(Royal Mass of Versailles – From the Manuscripts of the House of Bourbon)

2. Messe Solennelle pour la Chapelle Royale – Inspirée des Archives de la Maison d’Orléans
(Solemn Mass for the Royal Chapel – Inspired by the Archives of the House of Orléans)

Messes Royales de Versailles – Héritage des Manuscrits Secrets des Maisons de Bourbon et d’Orléans réunit deux messes baroques majestueuses, réinventées et complétées par Akiva David à partir de manuscrits historiques jalousement conservés par les lignées princières françaises. Découverts lors d’une rencontre familiale avec des cousins éloignés des Maisons de Bourbon et d’Orléans, ces trésors musicaux proviennent de la Chapelle Royale de Versailles et témoignent de l’éclat liturgique de l’Ancien Régime.

Sous la direction d’Akiva David, et interprétées par la Choral Society of Fête Saint-Hubert Hounds, ces messes recréent la grandeur sonore de Lully, Rameau et Delalande, avec instruments d’époque à diapason historique (A=415) et chœur en latin. Du murmure d’un hautbois solitaire à l’éclat triomphal des trompettes naturelles et des timbales, l’enregistrement, capté dans l’acoustique majestueuse d’une chapelle royale, restitue la dévotion, la pompe et la splendeur artistique d’un monde disparu.

Track 11 Messe Solennelle de la Maison d’Orléans – Pour le Salut et la Grâce Benedictus – Triumphus Domini

Track 7 Messe Solennelle de la Maison d’Orléans – Pour le Salut et la Grâce Kyrie – Lux Aeterna Gallica

Track 5 Messe Royale de la Maison de Bourbon – De la Gloire et de la Majesté Benedictus – Triumphus Domini

Track 9 Messe Solennelle de la Maison d’Orléans – Pour le Salut et la Grâce Credo – Fides et Gloria

Track 3 Messe Royale de la Maison de Bourbon – De la Gloire et de la Majesté Credo – Fides et Gloria

Track 10 Messe Solennelle de la Maison d’Orléans – Pour le Salut et la Grâce Sanctus – Majestas et Gloria

Step into a glowing Renaissance hall where poetry, music, and imagination come alive. “RITA AND THE COURT OF THE POETS OF BOLOGNA” is a fast-paced, noble, and poetic journey inspired by the vibrant artistic circles of old Italy.

Here, the echoes of lute, viola da gamba, recorder, harpsichord, and tambourine weave together with an epic female choir whose ritornello rises like a call through time, strengthened by deep bass drums and sharp snare strokes.
The melody feels ancient yet vivid, carried by warm harmonies of male and female voices resonating in a grand, stone-walled hall.

The lyrics, written in archaic Italian, speak of friendship, art, and love among poets, capturing the spirit of a court where creativity was a way of life.

🎧 Let the music take you to Bologna’s legendary circle of artists.
💬 Share your thoughts, your visions, your stories, the court welcomes all who love art.

RITA AND THE COURT OF THE POETS OF BOLOGNA - RELEASE - Forma

Canzoni del Bosco is a creative music project blending Italian modern pop with emotional storytelling and the natural poetry of sound.

Our songs shine with warm male vocals, bright guitars, and piano melodies inspired by the fireflies of the forest, lights of the soul that turn feelings into music. ✨

We also create custom songs for any emotion, story, or occasion, from romantic gifts to cinematic projects.

If you’d like your own personalized song, contact us at bosco.custom.songs@gmail.com

International Music Composer/Producer, Author, Radio Host & Spiritual Counselor

Karen Monid is a UK sound artist and projection specialist who has created award-winning sound art pieces and son et lumière works worldwide. Her work is regularly presented at arts festivals and large scale public events.

New tracks tagged #Period instruments