According to legend, the Maori migrated by canoe from Hawaiki in eastern Polynesia to New Zealand a thousand years ago. As their population increased over time, so did feuding among tribes, and warfare became a prominent feature of Maori culture. Not surprisingly, then, many traditional songs-which actually are monotonic chants with little accompanying instrumentation-deal with raids and battles. One type of song, the haka, was chanted before a battle not only to frighten the enemy but to make the performer himself more fearless. The final portion of a haka composed by one of the most famous fighting chieftains, triumphant after eluding his enemies, is heard at every Maori gathering: "it was death, it was death-it is life, it is life."Other forms of traditional Maori songs featured on this 1952 album are waiata (love songs, lullabies, and laments for the dead) and karakia (incantations to various gods). Liner notes include a history of the Maori, their music, and notes on each of the songs.

Tracklist:

Oriori: Pope E Tangi Ana Tama Ki Te Kai Mana
Waiata: Ka Riro Ra La Te Momo O Te Tangata
Tangi: Lament By Te Paraona
Waiata Aroha By Puhiwahine
Haka Of Te Rauparaha
Haka Of Wairangi
Maemae: Death Chant
Karakia To Tanemahuta
Karakia To Tangaroa
He Whakaaraara: Ancient Sentinal Alarm
Te To O Tainui: Canoe Hauling Song
Toia Mai Te Waka: Canoe Hauling Song
Apakura: Dirge

UPC: 093070443327
Label: Folkways Records
Release Date: 5.30.12
Format: CD

Maori Songs Of New Zealand - Maori Songs New Zealand / Various (CD)