MAORI TUNES for Cello or Bassoon Bassoon Solo - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1558437

I acknowledge and respect the Maori origins of this music, and the serious

meanings attached to many of the songs.

E rere taku poi is a song and dance tune, in which women twirl balls attached to

ropes (poi) (to keep thier wrists agile for weaving), but the words are about bringing

back a lover . Sometimes the women lie down for the poi dances. Akoako o te rangi

(Whisper of Heaven) is about being lovelorn. (Hear Kiri Te Kanawa sing this on

youtube). Haere Ra (Farewell, maiden) probably should feature microtonal wails.

Ka Male! Ka Mate! (War Song) is in a minor mode. (Don't trust European

transcibers to faithfully record sounds). Waiata Aroha (Love Song) is a beautiful,

poetic song, performed with poi. I think the title can be used for any love song. This

one is minor . Poi Waka (Canoe Song) is one sof several tunes with this title. This

one is major . Performers would use poi and imitate paddling movements. It depicts

the arrival by canoe of the Maori in New Zealand. He Waiata Aroha (Love

spurned): the title explains the topic. Microtone wails should be heard, but it is in

major . Makati (Nonsense Song): enjoy! Poi Paretireti (Gliding game): a ute

must be used. Stick-throwing game: Players form two rows facing each other ,

then clash sticks (rākau), throw them to each other and catch them in time to a

sung chant. If anyone drops a stick, the whole thing has to start again. Cicada

Song (Tarahiki) oftern misinterpreted as Locust Song. A very fast shouting song

found in a minor mode. As with all Maori music, there is a story behind it. E Pari

Ra (Loss): A tribe was attacked and enslaved by rival tribes. Among the prisoners

was a chieftainess: here, her lover bewails the loss. Hoki hoki (Lament): Hear Kiri

Te Kanawa on youtube. Hoea Hoea Ra (Come, maidens, spin your poi): the

lyrics were rewritten for various purposes duing the 20thC. Kiri is on youtube. The

beautiful Pokare kare ana (Rippling waters) tells the tale of a woman swimming

across waters to reunite with her beloved.

DURATION: 20 minutes

INSTRUMENTATION: Any treble clef orchestral instrument including sax, and

optional improvised percussion, eg Shaker .