Time To Bust Out That Spring Repertoire!
Time To Bust Out That Spring Repertoire!
Venezuela's unofficial second national anthem Alma Llanera has been popular in Spring Concerts for over 100 years.
Spring is here! Technically spring began over a month ago, but here in NYC, it seems to have just sprung.
Along with the season comes spring concerts for schools and vocal groups all over the world.
One incredibly popular song, featured in many a spring concert is "Alma Llanera."
As the second unofficial national anthem of Venezuela, "Alma Llanera" means "Song of the Plains." It features music by Pedro Elías Gutiérrez with lyrics by Rafael Bolívar Coronado. It was originally part of a zarzuela, which premiered on September 19, 1914, at the Teatro Caracas. Its 100th anniversary was marked by the song being declared Bien de Interés Cultural, a cultural heritage designation by Spain.
The first part of "Alma Llanera" is inspired on the waltz "Marisela" by composer Sebastian Díaz Peña from Venezuela, while the second part of "Alma Llanera" is inspired on the waltz "Mita" by the Curaçaon composer Jan Gerard Palm (1831-1906).
The title refers to the Llaneros, the herders of Venezuela and Colombia whose culture is part of these countries' popular imagery. The llanero culture is at the root of the Joropo, which started as a dance and evolved into a musical genre.
It's hard not to hear the "tippilin," regardless of the arrangement. Those of you who've sung this in choir know -- especially the tenors.
It is a tradition in Venezuela to end any social reunion or party with the intonation of "Alma Llanera." Today, "Alma Llanera" is considered as a Latin America landmark song and has been performed by many famous singers all over the world such as Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.
Gustav Dudamel has conducted renditions with groups such as the Paris Philharmonic and Venezuela's Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra. In 2009, the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra (SOV) commissioned an arrangement of the piece to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Along with the season comes spring concerts for schools and vocal groups all over the world.
One incredibly popular song, featured in many a spring concert is "Alma Llanera."
As the second unofficial national anthem of Venezuela, "Alma Llanera" means "Song of the Plains." It features music by Pedro Elías Gutiérrez with lyrics by Rafael Bolívar Coronado. It was originally part of a zarzuela, which premiered on September 19, 1914, at the Teatro Caracas. Its 100th anniversary was marked by the song being declared Bien de Interés Cultural, a cultural heritage designation by Spain.
Venezuela's "Vocal Song" Singing Their Version of Alma Llanera
The first part of "Alma Llanera" is inspired on the waltz "Marisela" by composer Sebastian Díaz Peña from Venezuela, while the second part of "Alma Llanera" is inspired on the waltz "Mita" by the Curaçaon composer Jan Gerard Palm (1831-1906).
The title refers to the Llaneros, the herders of Venezuela and Colombia whose culture is part of these countries' popular imagery. The llanero culture is at the root of the Joropo, which started as a dance and evolved into a musical genre.
It's hard not to hear the "tippilin," regardless of the arrangement. Those of you who've sung this in choir know -- especially the tenors.
It is a tradition in Venezuela to end any social reunion or party with the intonation of "Alma Llanera." Today, "Alma Llanera" is considered as a Latin America landmark song and has been performed by many famous singers all over the world such as Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.
Gustav Dudamel has conducted renditions with groups such as the Paris Philharmonic and Venezuela's Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra. In 2009, the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra (SOV) commissioned an arrangement of the piece to celebrate its 75th anniversary.