Sephardic Folk Songs

The Sephardic culture originates from the Jewish population of Spain that was banished at the end of the 15th century and afterwards spread to the whole of the Mediterranean area, including the Balkans and North Africa. Its unique Spanish dialect Ladino was preserved, finding musical expression in ballads, lyrical and paraliturgical songs for the most part. Arranger Ohad Stolarz took eight of these traditional Sephardic folk songs and arranged them as a cappella settings for four-part mixed SATB choir. These arrangements may be performed either as a cycle or as individual selections. The pieces feature harmonies and cultural elements that are wonderfully diverse, incorporating elements from various regions. The informative preface and the translations of the lyrics into German and English give helpful assistance for teaching and understanding these folk songs.