This week’s playlist features:
Haneko odori by Tomoe-Ryu Yutadaiko
This traditional Japanese taiko drumming piece was recorded in Québec, Canada by the ensemble. The title, taken from the album, is translated as “Bouncing Dance”.
Elijah. Op. 70. MWV A25 by Felix Mendelssohn
Contralto Clara Serena continues this playlist with a piece from Elijah, the oratorio by Mendelssohn, in this, the earliest recording of the work. Clara Serena was born in Lobethal and had a successful career in both Europe and her home country.
Migration by Nitin Sawhney
British-born Indian, Nitin Sawhney has become a a global name for his pioneering fusions of electronic, jazz, classical, flamenco, and Indian music. His personal interest as the son of migrants sparked this album and has influenced his subsequent work on identity, belonging and race.
Dyed in the Wool by Circa Survive
This Pennsylvanian group has explored themes of identity and relationship, mental health and inner conflict in their music, since 2004. Anthony Green’s unique voice lends itself to this introspection.
Skid Row (Downtown) from Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is a cult-classic musical, based on Roger Corman’s B movie of the same name and Motown’s iconic ’60s sound. It was made into a film directed by Frank Oz in 1986, and its man-eating plant, Audrey II, is unforgettable!
Pepeha by Six60
Aotearoa/ New Zealand band, Six60, created this waiata (song) to embrace belonging and identity. A pepeha is a Māori form of introduction that tells of the connections between a person and important elements such as other people, mountains, rivers and waka (canoes).
Serenade mélancolique played by Clara Rockmore
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s work is played by Clara Rockmore on the theremin. This early electronic instrument became associated with schlocky movies because of its ethereal, otherworldly sound.
Moving On by Lexi Jones
This song explores the bittersweet nature of moving forward from relationships. Lexi Jones also wrote a song about her father in which she expressed her desire to be seen for herself, rather than existing in David Bowie’s shadow. She is the daughter of Iman and Bowie.
A Place in the Sun by Stevie Wonder
Another song that speaks of the human need to belong somewhere. Written by Ronald Miller and Bryan Wells, the song became significant for Stevie Wonder because of his blend of soulful melody and social commentary.
Jog along ‘ til Shearing by The Bushwhackers
In 1971 a group of Melbourne University students started The Bushwhackers because of their shared passion for Australian folk music. This track sings of the camaraderie engendered through the hard work of shearing sheep.
Blithe Bells (A Free Ramble on Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze”) by Percy Grainger
An interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s aria Sheep May Safely Graze from the Hunt Cantata (BWV 208), this piece uses the theme as a springboard for a playful exposition of pastoral scenes. Percy Grainger was Australian-born, German-educated, English-based and lived and died in the United States.
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