Laurier Choirs Program Notes, Nov. 16, 2024

Nov. 15, 2024

TāReKiṬa

“I wrote TaReKiTa as a gift for a choir called Urban Voices Project. They are a choir of people who are currently or have recently experienced homelessness on Skid Row in Los Angeles. They are so dear to me, and one day I just decided to teach them about Indian rhythm. They enjoyed the lesson so much that I wanted to write them a piece that would use what I had taught them. The result was TaReKiTa – I literally wrote it in an hour, just in a single moment of inspiration, and recorded myself singing all the parts for them to learn. It has since become a staple of their repertoire, but it’s also been sung by so many choirs around the world. There is just something about the piece, perhaps borne out of my love for this choir, that just seems to resonate with people.

Practically speaking, this piece is based on sounds the Indian drum, the tabla, makes, called “bols” — they are onomatopoeic sounds that imitate the sound of the drum. The result is something like a scat would be in jazz – ecstatic, energetic, rhythmic music that feels good on the tongue.”

- program note from Reena Esmil’s website

Dha Tarekita, Dhum Tarekita, Nom Tarekita Takadimitaka
Takadimi Takajanu Takadimi Na

Ikan Kekek

Ikan kekek mak iloi, iloi, Ikan gelama mak ilai, ilai
Sung guh cantik_ sayangku amboi Tapi ketawa_mengilai-ngi-lai
Ikan kekek mak iloi, iloi, Ikan gelama mak ilai, ilai
Kalau a-dik_nak jadi pandai Mari belajar__janganlah la-lai
Ikan kekek mak iloi, iloi, Ikan gelama mak ilai, ilai
Sung guh cantik_ sayangku amboi Tapi ketawa_mengilai-ngi-lai
Ikan kekek mak iloi, iloi, Ikan gelama mak ilai, ilai
Kalau a-dik_nak jadi pandai Mari belajar__jangan-lah la-lai
Tenang, tenang, a-ir di_ la-ut Sampan go-lek_mu-dik ke__tan-jung
Ha-ti_ ter-ke-nang_ mulut ter-se-nyum Bu-di_yang ba-ik_ ra-sa_di-jun-jung! Hoi!

Ponyfish mak iloi-iloi Croaker fish mak ilai-ilai
My dear is very beautiful But her laugh is loud (and not graceful)
Ponyfish mak iloi-iloi Croaker fish mak ilai-ilai
If you (little one) want to be wise Come learn (study hard), don’t be lazy
The sea is calm The boat floats towards the bluff
The heart recalls, the mouth smiles Kindness is (always) upheld / encouraged

Niška Banja

Based in Boston, Nick Page is a composer, conductor, and author, known for his work in song leading, composed the Serbian piece Niška Banja. This piece established Nick Page as an important figure within choral music. Through his very remarkable achievements within the music industry that range from his choral works being performed by many choirs, to winning awards such as the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Music Education. His piece Niška Banja is a dynamic and engaging song that features beautiful harmonies creating significant cultural expression. The deeper meaning behind this piece is to bring together an inviting environment and share festivity between one another, celebrating diversity in musical traditions. When I hear this song, I think of being on vacation on a beach dancing away having a good time. As you continue to listen to this piece, I encourage you to look out for the use of call and response patterns as this adds the energy and encourages the listeners to sing along. The beautiful cultural significance inspires me to engage with communities and support such expressive music.

- program note written by Emily Giugovaz

Note from the Publisher: The word “Niška” refers to the city of Niš in Serbia. “Banja” means bath. The song isa flirtatious dance that basically means, “Let’s go to the baths of Niš where we shall kiss, kiss, kiss.”

Niška Banja, topla voda Za niš lije žjoda
Emka ravla, emkame ravla, Ando niši name kavla
Nišlike su fine dame Nešeta ju nikad same.
Emka ravla, emkame ravla Ando niši name kavla.
Jekduj duj duj de šuj duj Cu mi davte čaje ando muj.
Emka ravla, emkame ravla Ando niši name kavla.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a piece of music composed by Johnathan Quick. Jonathan Quick is a prolific Canadian musician, spending the majority of his life in Vancouver Canada. Not only is he a well-known musician in Vancouver, but he also has a formal music education, having received his Bachelor of Education degree, as well as his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of British Columbia. Quick is incredibly passionate and well-versed regarding music and his musical ability, that he has also performed as a vocalist, a conductor, and a sound engineer in addition to his writing and composing. Quick has performed alongside numerous ensembles, including the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, the Burney Ensemble, the Welsh Men’s Choir, the Vancouver Cantata Singers, as well as several other choirs and orchestras. The piece of music contains the lyrics “Oh! Ye’ll take the high road, and I’ll take the low road”, which is believed to be referencing an old tale about the capturing of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men. “I’ll take the low road” references the person who was killed, and would never be able to see his love again. The Scottish folk influences are prominent throughout the piece, and fit with the lyrics and their perceived meaning. (written by Gianluca Chiusano)

Yonder Come Day

“This spiritual originated in the nineteenth century in the enslaved Black communities of St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia. Daybreak here can be read as a metaphor for salvation, happiness, death/beatification, or possibility.” This arrangement is based on this traditional spiritual and adds a rhythm and speech section.

- program note written by Art and Theology

Baba Yetu

Baba Yetu is a piece of music released on October 24th 2005, written by Christopher Tin. Born on May 21st 1976 in California, Christopher Tin is a prolific and well recognized composer, who specializes in writing pieces for video game soundtracks, as well as film and television soundtracks. Throughout his life, Christopher Tin had been a fan of video games, particularly the popular PC game franchise Sid Meier’s Civilization, and would be given the opportunity to work on the game’s soundtrack once he had discovered his roommate from University was a developer for the series. The piece Baba Yetu was composed and recorded for the soundtrack of the latest installment in the series at the time, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, which was released the following day. The song encapsulates the emotional gravity and worldly feeling of the game franchise, as the main goal of the game is to develop and explore various civilizations across the world, throughout history. Knowing this, Tin incorporated elements of world music, and derived his lyrics from the Christian Lord’s prayer, translated into the Swahili language. The piece’s emotional and cultural impact was so significant that it won a Grammy in 2011, the first piece of music from a video game to do so.

- program note written by Gianluca Chiusano

Baba yetu, yetu uliye
Mbinguni yetu, yetu amina!
Baba yetu, yetu uliye
Jina lako litukuzwe.
Utupe leo chakula chetu
Tunachohitaji utusamehe
Makosa yetu, hey!
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe
Waliotukosea usitutie
Katika majaribu, lakini
Utuokoe, na yule, muovu e milele!
Ufalme wako ufike utakalo
Lifanyike duniani kama mbinguni. (Amina)

Our Father, who art
in Heaven. Amen!
Our Father,
Hallowed be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us of
our trespasses
As we forgive others
Who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one forever.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven. (Amen)

Balleilakka

Balleilakka is a popular piece composed by A.R. Rahman and arranged by Ethan Sperry for the Tamil film known as Sivaji: The Boss. A.R Rahman is an accomplished Indian composer, singer, and music producer born and raised in Chennai India. He is known for his innovative and significant contribution to Indian and international music. He was recognized from his score Slumdog Millionaire that then brought him to winning two academy awards including, a Grammy, and BAFTA award throughout his musical career. The lyrics and meaning of his piece Balleilakka were influenced by traditional Indian folk music with contemporary elements. The song features an energetic pull reflecting a theme of the celebration of life. As you listen to this piece you are brought with vibrant and energetic elements that create a sense of joy and positivity through its upbeat rhythm and cheerful melody. This piece will leave you with the inevitable desire to dance and sing. When I listen to this piece I am reminded of the importance of community and living life to its fullest.

- program note written by Emily Giugovaz