WorldView Episode 60: Traditional Folktunes
The sixtieth episode of WorldView does not feature any particular composer. Instead, this hour includes seven traditional folksongs and melodies from around the world. In this post, I’ll provide a brief blurb on each of these seven songs, as well as the ensembles that perform them. Enjoy!
Mulher Rendeira: The title of this Brazilian folk song translates roughly to “Lacemaker Woman”, and dates back to the 1920s. It is believed that the original verses of the work were written by Virgulino Ferreira da Silva; however, some records attribute the piece to musician Alfredo Ricardo do Nascimiento. In this episode, an arrangement of “Mulher Rendeira” is performed by the Quinteto de Paraíba.
Spring Breeze: In this hour, the Taiwanese folk song “Sping Breeze” — or “Bāng Chhun-hong” — is performed by violinist Takako Nishizaki and pianist Gerald Garcia.
Roslin Castle: “Roslin Castle” is believed to have been written by Richard Hewitt of Cumberland, assistant to poet Thomas Blacklock. The ruins of the titular castle stand in Midlothian County, Scotland. The period-instrument recording featured in this episode was created by the Hesperus ensemble.
The Lads of Wamphray: The famed british ballad “The Lads of Wamphray” was written about a controversial dispute between two 16th-century families. The lyrics follow the partial story of Galiard, as well as the mission to revenge his death. In this episode of WorldView, “The Lads of Wamphray” is performed by the Sydney Chamber Choir, with Sir Andrew Davis and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
The King’s Suite: This suite of folksongs is made up of four movements: “Buckingham’s Sarraband”, “Two Minuets”, “The Kings Gigue”, and “Tweedsyde” (retrieved from album liner notes). The song is one of many in the Balcarres Manuscript, a collection of pieces for the lute completed in 1702. “The King’s Suite” is performed by lutist Sylvani Bergeron.
4 Bulgarian Songs: Maria Wildhaber’s arrangement of this work includes four movements, entitled “Dilmano Dilbero”, “Kaval is Playing”, “Todora Lay Down for a While”, and “George is Sitting”. In this hour, Wildhaber and fellow bassoonist Scott Pool perform the collection of folk tunes.
Eight Folkloric Motives from the Valleys of Bolivia: This piece, included on an album entitled “Aires Indios: Piano Music of Bolivia”, is performed by Bolivian pianist Walter Aparicio.
WorldView Episode Sixty Playlist:
“Mulher Rendeira”, {Quinteto da Paraíba, arr. Radamés Gnattali} - Nimbus Records
“Spring Breeze”, {Takako Nishizaki (vn), Gerald Garcia (gtr)} - Marco Polo
“Roslin Castle”, {Hesperus} - Dorian
“The Lads of Wamphray”, {Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Chamber Choir, Andrew Davis} - Chandos
“The King’s Suite”, {Sylvani Bergeron (lute)} - Atma
“4 Bulgarian Songs”, {Maria Wildhaber (bsn), Scott Pool (bsn)} - MSR Classics
“Eight Folkloric Motives from the Valleys of Bolivia”, {Walter Aparicio (pf)} - MSR Classics
WorldView is a classical music radio show featuring composers from everywhere in the world - except Western Europe. Tune in to hear works by lesser-known artists such as Nancy Dalberg and Isang Yun, and widen your knowledge of classical music. Hinke Younger hosts each week’s episode of WorldView on Mondays at 9AM and 6PM (with a rebroadcast Saturdays at 2PM) on Charlottesvilleclassical.org.