Music has always served as a platform for critique and satire, especially the critique of politics, religion and power. This year, the anniversary of an important medieval manuscript – number 146 from the French manuscripts collection of Paris’ Bibliothèque National – brings back into the spotlight a great satirical work: the Roman de Fauvel. In over 6000 verses, the Roman de Fauvel pulls no punches in attacking hypocrisy and criticising the excesses of ruling classes and states. This is done all through the antics of Fauvel, a fallow-coloured ass that manages to become head of state despite tendencies to Vanity, Avarice, and the other delightfully tempting vices. This Sunday, Vox Nostra celebrates the Fauvel manuscript’s 700th anniversary, as Vlad features throughout the morning’s programme solo and polyphonic music by important composers from the 13th and 14th centuries, including Philippe de Vitry and Philip the Chancellor. (All resemblance to persons living or currently in power is purely coincidental.)
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 5th November, 7am-10am