Dove’s Vagary is an alternative name for the tune Chestnut found in John Playford’s Dancing Master of 1651. While chestnuts may have female symbolism and are associated with wassails, carols and winter songs the other title of this piece from which we draw our band name is much more interesting.
Vagary can be defined as unpredictable or erratic action or an extravagant manifestation. Dove relates to Tom Dove of Exeter who appears in a ballad of 1599 by Thomas Deloney. Coming unexpectedly into wealth from a benefactor Tom Dove basically blows the lot on wine, women and song!
The duo is definitely full of fun and we are not impartial to the odd bit of revelry but we can also provide you with songs and music spanning 12th to 19th centuries.
Our songs are varied from those with choruses to sing along to those just for listening. We sing and play some ancient music from the 12th and 13th centuries and up to music hall numbers and the 19th century. Some songs are accompanied and others are in acapella harmony. Our instrumentals are played on a variety of instruments including melodeon, concertina, dulcimer, small pipes, cornamuses, hulusi, whistles, flutes – not a guitar in sight!!!
Sarah & Chris always bring a great sense of fun to their performances and a love of the music and it is always a pleasure to welcome them back to Watford.
A great night is guaranteed!!!
Recommended donation – £10
