Publishing

To Save the Lost

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The poems, plays and songs, integral to the work, may be treated as a separate performance resource. To apply for performing rights (which will take account of the performers’ means and intentions and whether they are charitable or profit-making) please contact the Director.

 

On the verso of the title page of Book I, R. M. Moss writes: "Certain original medieval sources have been adapted to the language and style adopted for the narration: in this, Volume I, There is no Rose of such Virtue is a well known medieval devotional poem. The story Of Gawain and his Lady appears not only in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales but various other sources: it is freely adapted to the purposes of its narrator, employing medieval stylistic traditions of alliteration and use of the present tense at moments of great emotion or significance. The Riddle Song is closely modelled on a 15th century song; Maiden in the Moor Lay is also of that period. The Lyke Wake Dirge is a traditional Yorkshire song and appears in several versions. The music for all these are the compositions of the author. The geste, The Knight of Courtesy, is from an early source but has been much reduced in length. The geste, The Snow Babe, (as its narrator suggests) does indeed come from a medieval Latin source but in this case has been much embroidered and expanded although its “politically incorrect” core is true to the original. The story, Alison and the Faery Gold and its accompanying music and songs are entirely original. Now is the time of Christemas is, again adapted from a medieval source and the music that of the author. The Yule Play is entirely original, but incorporates typical ideas of death and resurrection and the bawdy humour much loved by our forebears. The opening verse and melody of Robin m’aime may or may not be correctly remembered from a recording heard many years ago. The other words are all original. (My thanks to Laurence Stracquadanio who checked my French.)"

And from the verso of Book III: "In this, Volume III, the song The Maidens Came is adapted from an original medieval source. Praise God is original but in the spirit of the Doxology. The music for both of these is my own. The play Lord Throstle’s Ruin is entirely my own work although it would stand alone as the medieval morality play it claims to be.

R. M. Moss"

 

We are preparing a an A4 sized booklet of all the music and sets of play scripts will also become available on request.

 

The dragon costume featured in Living History: Activities - Playacting" may be available for hire. Please enquire well in advance of St George's Day!

 

It is the express wish of the author that on no account will any applications for film rights of To Save the Lost be considered.

 

 

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Performing Rights