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Lyr Req: Macedonian Songs

04 Dec 99 - 10:26 AM (#144568)
Subject: Macedonian Songs
From: MarkG@n2wrestling.com

Does anyone have a translation of More Chiche Reche Da Mi Zheni ? I have the words and the general gist but I'd really like to know what it means if I'm going to be singing it. It has been recorded many times in several versions from Macedonian, Serbian and Bulgarian singers, but the tune seems to be very consistant.


04 Dec 99 - 07:26 PM (#144738)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Macedonian Songs
From: Susan A-R

I will ask. Looked in my Village Harmony book (Traditional Songs of the Balkans by Mary Cay Brass) Not there. I'll email her, and also check w Larry Gordon of Village/Northern Harmony to see if anyone has it. The Village Harmony book is fun. You can get ahold of it through Northern Harmony Publishing Company, R D 1, box 668, Plainfield, VT. 05667. Phone is 802-426-3210 That's Larry's number by the way. Rumor also has it that there's another book either out or in the offing, of Balkan songs. The books are available with tapes.

Susan


09 Dec 99 - 06:35 PM (#147274)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Macedonian Songs
From: M. Ted (inactive)

I just checked Zora Tammer's Macadonia Folksongs, and it isn't in there, either--Probably the best place to ask for info on this would be at Tambura Web, which, coincidentally i s at http://www.tamburaweb.com/--

Just curious--under what circumstances is it that you will be singing this song?

Are you one of those types that just sings whatever appeals to them, and are therefore copping it off a record? In which case the record may have (in fact, my experience is that they usually have) lyrics and translations--

Or are you in a group that is being led (or driven by some deranged Balkanophile?) In this case, this person ought to be able to provide a translation--

Keep in mind that you shouldn't necessarily expect translation that is either a verse translation or an even a singable translation, as this is really an art in itself, and it is not necessary for a translation to retain these qualities in order to convey the literal meaning of the lyrics--

The emotional meaning of Balkan songs, as you may probably know, tends to be conveyed without any need to know the literal meaning of the words--in fact, it is often kind of a letdown when you find out what the words really mean--