Antologie CD 6 - Milostné a svatební písně

The most beautiful and the most joyous time of life – that is how the songs on the sixth part of Anthology of Moravian Folk Music sound. The period in question is clearly implied in the title of the album Milostné a svatební písně/Love and Wedding Songs and the thematic scope is suggested by the subtitle Od námluv až po čepení/From Courtship to Coifing Ceremony. Despite the fact that there are not only girls or women singing in the songs of this selection, the overall dramaturgy of the album reflects a female perspective on the topic. The songs essentially suggest many forms of love, then there are melodies to various parts of traditional wedding and in the end (including a humored final bonus) they are dedicated not only to marriage. Here is yet another, the sixth reflection on temporary forms of folk music-making both in large and small Moravian folk regions.

 Even this selection keeps to the proven concept of the whole project titled Anthology of Moravian Folk Music. In the …..-page booklet in Czech and English, there is a brief description of the process of courtship and wedding including basic habits, remarks on the origin and music history of selected songs and several medallions, musical ensembles, musicians and singing personalities included on the album. On the fully stacked CD, listeners can find a selection of the most interesting love and wedding songs.

The sixth and seventh selection, just like the previous fifth part (Time of Advent and Christmas), are thematically focused. In contrast, the first four parts of the project are divided according to regions. Also these parts are completed with a legend in the 28 page booklet in Czech and English, outlining the musical history of a particular region. Altogether, they form 400 minutes of listening to contemporary folk recordings. This epic edition of the Anthology of Moravian Folk Music of the beginning of the 21st century is an attempt to introduce the current form of folk music both in large and small Moravian folk regions.

Although there are not only girls or women singing, the selection of songs and the overall dramaturgy of the album reflects a feminine point of view. The songs, as they follow, essentially suggest many forms of love, then there are tunes for various parts of traditional wedding and in the end, including the humored final bonus, they reflect marriage. The introduction belongs to the Kopanice tune in manner of the song Lásko, bože, lásko. Yet, it all starts with love… Since ancient times, people believed in magical power of herbs that could help to find the desired beloved, as they sing in the track No. 2. Parents or “low status” often prevented from reciprocated love of one of the lovers (No. 3), and sometimes, even through the vision of material security, the girl herself refused the union with older partner (No. 4). Unrequited love – the boy doesn’t give up the girl even if she already forgot about him (No. 5), on the contrary, the girl lightheartedly tells everyone that she already has somebody else (No. 6). What is actually going on in a girl’s head before she starts a relationship and embarks on everything that follows? That it is not a big deal to get married, but it is a big deal to know how (No. 7), the most important thing is not to remain an old spinster (No. 8)! So although rich, yet still unmarried woman, she could be a source of ridicule in the village (No. 9). Get married, GET MARRIED! (No. 10)!