cinco cantigas de roda (satb)

Cantigas de roda (literally, “songs of [a] circle”) are folk songs that are normally performed by young children.  These are songs we
hear even before we learn to speak, as most parents sing these simple and short tunes to their children as lullabies or as a way to play with them. As a game, these songs are performed by children in a circle formation, almost always holding hands and going around together. Some songs have specific movements or “choreographies” that require that the children go in and out of the circle, make funny movements or gestures, point at each other and choose who will get in or out of the circle next, etc.

Unfortunately, this sweet and innocent tradition is slowly dying, as children today play outside—and in groups—less frequently. But many school teachers still use these folk songs in their classrooms today, and try to keep the tradition alive.

Daniel Afonso Jr.

There are five pieces in this octavo: 1. Pai Francisco, II. Terezinha de Jesus, III. Pirulito Que Bate, Bate, IV. Ciranda, Cirandinha, V. Atirei o Pau no Gato.