Anon.
Arranged by Alessia Mankovskaya and José
Gandia
Alessia:
“José is Spanish and I am from Belarus. We speak
different languages so we try to understand each other
through music. He introduced me to Spanish
Cantigas
de Santa Maria and I
sing Belarusian Christian songs for him. We have spent many
hours finding the magic point of connection between the
voice and the viola. In August 2008 we got married. It was
just the beginning of our cultural collaboration.
“This is a pagan song which was adapted to the
Christian tradition in the late 16th century. For this
reason the words may seem illogical, but we interpret it as
a song about joy. You can hear the openness and simplicity
of the Belarusian people in this song.”
Recorded
live at Friends’ Meeting House, Brighton, 17 October
2008
Hoy!
On the first day
Hoy! On Christmas day
Hens woke up very early
Rejoice earth,
New year was born!
Hoy! They awoke the glorious Lord
Lord of our land
Rejoice earth,
New year was born!
Hay! Wake up early
Hay! Wash your face till it’s white
Rejoice earth,
New year was born!
Go to the stall
Take the harness
To rack up the horse
Rejoice earth,
New year was born!
