Product Description
This is an arrangement of a cherished Yoruba children's folk song for Western classical orchestra, featuring a solo double bass. Traditionally a simple vocal melody, this arrangement elevates the tune into a sophisticated classical framework. Written and recorded in the key of D major, the arrangement employs at least one instrument from each family within the orchestra. These include the flute, B-flat clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabassoon, B-flat trumpet, flugelhorn, French horn in F, timpani, bass drum, grand piano, violin 1 & 2, viola, cello, and contrabass, with the solo double bass taking the central melodic role.
The piano accompaniment uniquely interprets the imagery of rainfall through specialized techniques, the bass drum interprets thunder effect, timpani roll interprets the rumble sounds from thunder, while the solo double bass embodies the soothing, gentle essence of the original vocal line and also imitates the voice of a natural Yoruba folk singer (like the older grand parents). This project represents a novel fusion, marking the first known classical orchestral arrangement of "Òjò N Rò" with the double bass as the primary melodic voice, thereby creating a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue between Yoruba traditional music and Western classical instrumentation.
THE SONG'S SIGNIFICANCE
Folk songs serve as cultural cornerstones, transmitting communal wisdom, shared experiences, and distinct narratives across generations. "Òjò N Rò" ( rain is falling), a beloved children's folk song from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, epitomizes this role. Its simple yet profound lyrics "Òjò n rò, sere ninu ilé, ma wo nu òjò, kí a r má baà tutù, kí òtútù má baà mú " (It's raining, play inside the house, don't go into the rain so that your clothes don't get wet, and so that you don't catch a cold) convey a universal message of protection and care, teaching children about cause and effect. This project explores the transformative potential of such a tune by transposing it from its traditional vocal form into a comprehensive Western classical orchestral arrangement, featuring the double bass in an unprecedented soloistic capacity.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.