H.I.P.S.T.E.R. Historically Informed Performance Series, Teaching, Education & Research: HAMELN ANNO 1284: Medieval Flute Music on the Trail of the Pied Piper Norbert Rodenkirchen, Medieval flute

They say that the legendary “Pied Piper” enticed the children of Hamelin away after having rid the German village of rats. He still lives in children’s stories today—but what music might the Pied Piper have played? The man behind the myth was probably a flute-playing medieval recruitment officer, commissioned by the Baltic aristocracy to attract young families to migrate northwards. By all accounts, he was successful, and managed to entice 130 young people to leave Hamelin in that summer of 1284. Medieval flute specialist Norbert Rodenkirchen has long been fascinated by the Pied Piper, which set him on a search for a musical programme inspired by the story and other historical events. With a treasure-trove of melodies by a Slavic prince, ancient dances from northern Poland, and more, Rodenkirchen brings his extensive experience in medieval improvisation to the stage, weaving a tapestry of enchanting melodies which could well have been played by the Pied Piper himself.

Norbert Rodenkirchen, medieval flute

Yonit Kosovske & Vlad Smishkewych, co-directors H.I.P.S.T.E.R. (Historically Informed Performance Series, Teaching, Education & Research)