Wednesday, December 12, 2007

"Singabahambayo" (and how do you spell that again)?

Singabahambayo (known variously in English as "We are marching for freedom" or " "Hallelujah! We sing your praises") is a South African song from the struggle against apartheid. YouTube has a fine video clip of the St. Olaf Choir singing it and a chorus from Georgetown University singing a gospel version. The video from Georgetown is grainy, and St. Olaf's shows illustrations from a children's book titled "Bongo of the COngo." But they'll give you an idea of the melody and two very different arrangements. An Australian named Karl Aloritas has a four-part arrangement, on which he has waived copyright, posted to Karl's Choral Music Webpage ... along with other choral works from "Now is the Month of Maying" to "Bogorodyitse Dyevo," a hymn to the Virgin Mary from Rachmaninov's Vespers. Also MIDI files of parts on all his songs. A website well worth checking, especially if you like choral music and can't sight-read any better than I can.

Best background on Singabahambayo I found on the Internet is from an eighth-grade lesson plan by Amy Thomas of West Chester University:

This song is in reaction to the apartheid that was once a part of South African society. The words are translated to "On earth and army is marching. Weíre going home. Our hearts are filled with song. We sing out strong. Halleluia." The words show the importance of music in the African culture. The game involved with Singabahambayo relates to actions of the people of this culture as they marched together toward freedom. When people join hands with each other during the game in the song, it is representing the unity of the blacks in South Africa during their struggle for freedom. African music demands much participation through singing, moving, dancing, and drumming. This song involves many of the characteristics common to African music. This song also includes a polyrhythmic percussion section and repetitive phrases, which are typical of African music.
Great song.

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