Cornelius
Link

Bardcore covers of modern songs

Renaissance painting of musicians playing lutes, two of them wearing sunglasses
Portrait of Cornelius Link

De Vita et Arte

About

Hi, I'm Cornelius Link, and I make Bardcore.

 

It all began in 2020, when I turned the Astronomia meme (yes, the pallbearers) into a medieval version and shared it in a WhatsApp group. Someone (whoever you are: thank you!) put it online, and it spread like wildfire. The rest, fittingly, is history: the internet called it Bardcore, other bards joined in, and today the scene reaches millions of listeners.

 

Medieval covers existed before, but I try to forge a different path. For me, Bardcore isn't just pop songs played on old instruments, and it's not strictly about the Middle Ages either. It's fantasy with a medieval aesthetic, which lets me draw from a much bigger toolbox.

 

Since 2024, I also DJ at fantasy balls across Europe, playing my own songs alongside fantasy, pop and dance tracks. Have a listen, follow along, or book me for your own fantasy ball!

Some call him Corny. Fair. A guy who puts a lute solo in everything.
Anonymous

Musica Aeterna

Music

Bardcore dresses modern songs in medieval clothes. Here you'll find my medieval covers and my own music. Pick a track and listen on your favorite platform.

Hic et ubique

Live

I DJ at fantasy balls and immersive events across Europe. Here's where you can catch me next. Planning your own event? Just write me an e-mail via the link in the contact-section or click on the button below the events.

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm: Requiem of the Fallen – 21 Nov 2026

Wuppertal (DE) · Historische Stadthalle

Crexpro GmbH

Tickets (opens in a new tab)

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm: Ballad of the Rising Legends – 20 Feb 2027

Wiesbaden (DE) · Kurhaus

Crexpro GmbH

Tickets (opens in a new tab)

Forgotten Empires Fantasy Ball – 10 Apr 2027

Vught (NL) · Kasteel Maurick

Wishes of Wonder Events

Tickets (opens in a new tab)

Past highlights

Moonlight Ball, Wuppertal (DE), 2026

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm, Bad Kissingen (DE), 2026

Starlight & Shadow Fantasy Ball, Zeist (NL), 2025

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm, Wuppertal (DE), 2025

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm, Leipzig (DE), 2025

Fantasy Royals NYE Celebration, Rotterdam (NL), 2024

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm, Wiesbaden (DE), 2024

Chronicles of the Dancing Realm, Leipzig (DE), 2024

Book me for your event

Quis · Quid · Ubi

FAQ

Quick answers to the questions I get asked the most.

What is Bardcore?

Bardcore, also known as tavernwave, is a music style that reimagines modern songs with medieval-style instruments and arrangements. It became an internet trend in 2020 and it's what I've been making ever since.

Who started Bardcore?

It kicked off in 2020 with my medieval version of "Astronomia", the song from the pallbearers meme. I shared it in a WhatsApp group, someone put it online, and it spread like wildfire. The name Bardcore came from the audience, not from me. 

Who else makes Bardcore?

Plenty of bards! Hildegard von Blingin', Joseph C. Phaze, Beedle the Bardcore, Stary Olsa and Algal the Bard are some names worth a listen. Algal was actually making medieval versions even before me, back in 2017. Today the scene reaches millions of listeners.

How do you make your Bardcore Covers?

I record live instruments and samples in my DAW (Cubase) and mix everything together. Some of the instruments used in my songs, I built or modified myself to fit my needs and to give everything my own authentic touch. If you want to learn more about the way I create my music, just contact me. You'll find all necessary links in the contact section. 

Can I book you as a DJ for my fantasy ball?

Yes! I've been DJing at fantasy balls and immersive events since 2024 and if you want me to play at your fantasy event, booktok ball or romantasy party just let me know. You can send me a booking request via the booking button in the Live section or directly by e-mail.

Can I use your music in my project?

That depends on what you have in mind. For non-commercial projects I have no objections from my side, but the rules of the platform you publish on apply. I don't own the rights to the original songs behind my covers, so I can't grant or decide anything about them, and nothing here is a license or a permission. Please make sure your use is covered. For commercial projects, I'm happy to help you get in touch with the labels involved and to support you with any questions. Send me a short message about your project. 
This is general information, not legal advice.

Scripta Manent

Contact

Follow me on your favorite platform to hear new music first, or drop me a line for bookings and collaborations.