New Zealand Maori Chorale - Songs of New Zealand - CD *NEW*

RELEASED 2010
LABEL Viking Sevenseas

“Songs of New Zealand” by the New Zealand Maori Chorale is a selection of famous Maori action songs, poi dances, love songs, canoe and fishing songs, stick game songs and traditional chants.

All Orchestral arrangements are by Brian Hands, with Choral arrangments from Paul Katene. Pre-European M-ori music was predominantly sung, but researchers Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns have unearthed a rich tradition of blown, struck and whirled instruments. Songs (waiata) were sung solo, in unison or at the octave.

Types of song included lullabies (oriori), love songs (waitata aroha) and laments (waiata tangi). It was traditional to end a speech with a song, but none are reported to have been composed especially for this setting or confined to it. Some of the smaller wind instruments were also sung into, and the sound of the poi provided a rhythmic accompaniment to waiata poi.

Track Listing:

DISC 1:
E Pari Ra/E Aue/Tukua Ahau/Poi Waka
He Konei Ra/Tahi Mitu Tou E/Kamate Kamate/Tena Koutou
Pokarekare Ana/Haruru Ana
He Puti Puti Pai/Karu Karu/Pa Mai/E Rere Taku Poi/Toia Mai Te Waka Neei/He Puti Puti Pai
He Wawata/Po Atarau/Hoki Hoki/Waikaremoana/Ha Haere Mai
Uia Mai Koia
Hoki Mai Ki Au
Whakatangatanga/E Te Hokowhitu
Aotearoa
He Puri Taitama E
Titiro Mai
Haere Mai Nga Iwi
Haera Mai
Tutiro Mai Nga Iwi
Au E Te Atua