(note: crossposted from my Wordpress blog where I usually write about home renovation) I am suspending any major work on the Prayer Flag House until spring. Fingers crossed: this holds true as long as nothing breaks.
Ukraine War and American support
I am highly in favor of supporting Ukraine in their struggle to preserve their country, their culture and the people. My parents were from two small towns in western Massachusetts – Ware and Palmer – with vibrant Polish-American communities and I have vivid memories of family parties and other events celebrated by the two large families there. When I watch TeeVee about the Ukraine war, I can pick out many people who resemble my actual blood relatives in an uncanny way. It is unsettling.
The Hearts and Minds of America
The war will continue and supporters of Ukraine need to think about how to sustain America’s support of Ukraine. The war faded to the back pages of most newspapers. Right-wing politicians and media empires (I’m talking to you, Fox News) will continue to spout talking points that seem written in Moscow.
Artists can fight back and help the cause
There was a round of benefit concerts last spring when the war started. Here in Maine we got the attention of the New York Times when they wrote about the number of locals now displaying a Ukrainian flag at their house. We can support Ukraine by promoting the positive values of their culture. I am a musician and I grew up around Slavic music. In my adult life it propelled me to form a polka band (we played lots of wedding receptions) and a band that specialized in accompanying east European folk dance. The Russians are not successful at using music and song as a cultural tool; the Ukrainians have been masterful at it, and the efforts of musicians in Ukraine goes a long way to create good will toward their cause.
Choral Music
My own music group is now planning to present a benefit concert here in Maine in spring 2023. The planning includes finding written-out music for The Maine Balkan Choir (the only formal Slavic singing group here). They usually sing in Bulgarian, and they use transliterations of lyrics when practicing their tunes. Like any other choir they have a library of tunes on hand to share with new members and they have a way of group learning to adopt new repertoire. We expect to attract new members to the choir to work on this concert. It’s a small way to overcome the helplessness of watching a genocidal war unfold.
We have begun the process of expanding the library of tunes for the March concert. Finding the sheet music, using transliteration software on the lyrics, and the like. I am a geeky musician and this part is something I enjoy since it involves sleuthing around to find sources of tunes. The first websearch “Ukraine Folk Songs” led to a Top Ten list. I then contacted the company website, and I also cut-and-pasted the list into a YouTube playlist. They do not specialize in music per se, so they sent me a link to a Music Publisher (below).
The Big Idea and the Big Ask
Now that I am embarked on this project, I wish to share what I have learned and found with choir directors from around USA. First, some arrangements published right here in USA that you get from https://sheetmusicplus.com Some the tunes are current pop tunes (copyrighted), or have been arranged by American professional musicians (for sale at specific websites in the format used by am SATB choir), and others are in the public domain (The Ukrainian National Anthem for example.)
Disclosure: I don’t have an advertising budget, I am not doing this for pay. I have no financial relationship with any company listed here. But I do wish to get the word out which is why I am posting this on Daily KOS. Would you please share this with anybody you know who is a member of a choir, or involved with music education in any way?
Five examples
Here are examples of tunes that are already arranged for American-style choirs and available by purchasing for a small fee on the internet:
The Dream Passes by the Window
This one highlights polyphonic harmony style, with voices singing in drone, movement in the harmonic line, and minor chords. It is a famous lullaby, written many years ago, in which the mother sings words of hope for peace, warmth, and a full belly for her infant. Here is link to buy it for your choir.
Oi Luzi Chervona Kalyna
This is a rousing, lusty tune calling for people to rise up and defend. There are many versions of this out there, this is my favorite. The sheet music is professionally done and includes transliterations.
Steffania
The Eurovision 2022 pop Music Awards were scheduled to be held in Kyiv in spring but were cancelled. This was Ukraine’s entry, and they won the 2022 prize. It has a rap interlude. My family included an aunt named Stephanie, a common name among east Europeans. (Link is to a piano transcription, I can send you the lyrics separately).
This one is simply stunning. It has echoes of liturgical settings, and in fact, has now become a staple of military funerals in Ukraine. (warning the video is NSFW unless you are okay with crying a torrent of tears at your work space).
Ukrainian National Anthem
sheet music for this in in the public domain, menaing that you can perform it without attending to copyright. Many versions out there, I like the operatic style of this version.
The Black Hen
In fact, I am still looking for a written-out version of this. If I can’t find one I will write it out myself, a laborious process. I will query my contacts in Kyiv to help me track it down as well. It is a children’s song that makes a game out of being hungry. Yes, you heard me. The verses describe ways to take your mind off eating, I am told. I like the tune and the way the musicians entertain.
Call to action?
DailyKOS has two million subscribers. I am sending this out hoping that if you know anybody in a choral group doing a concert for spring 2023, you will forward this to them and encourage them to add these tunes to the program. If they send me a message here at DailyKOS I will email some of the free material to anybody who asks. What if we got every choir or choral group in the USA to sing one or more of these tunes?
History is being made
There are many examples throughout history of music being used to strengthen the resolve of those determined to create a better world. We think of armaments, ammunition and soldiers as the instruments of victory, but music can serve to express the motivation to create a better world. Don’t overlook the need to sing these songs to counter the darkness.