Volta do mar Largo

Volta do mar Largo commissioned by the Sydney Children’s Choir in 2001, an exciting work  inspired by African/Arabic/Eastern European folk music.

The era of Portuguese exploration stretched for over 200 years and has a large impact on the world today. In the early 15th Century, to embark on a mission to the south evoked grave consequences. Besides the fear of the unknown, there was the grueling task of returning home against the prevailing winds and strong currents. Some of the Portuguese explorers were known to be quite ruthless and this piece also pays homage to some of the African nations who suffered during this time.

Map_of_Portuguese_Carreira_da_IndiaGondwana Voices, conducted by Lyn Williams, featuring Mark O’Leary on bouzouki and members of Synegy Percussion. Paul is playing an adapted Tarogato (Hungarian woodwind), re-invented by Linsey Pollack and called a Saxillo.

And this sample recording is from Gondwana Voices, ABC Classics ‘New Light, New Hope’

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventure
Duration 3:40
Key E Hijaz and Myxolydian
Range All standard
More info Features optional guitar, bouzouki, hand drums, percussion and also available with strings or symphony orchestra.
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

V O L T A   D O   M A R   L A R G O                       
                   
By Paul Jarman
                       
Mombassa, lay o, lay o la
Zanzibar, lay o, lay o
Gold, ebony diamonds
Lay, lay o, lay o

Pemba, lay o, lay o la
Malindi, lay o, lay o
Spice, rubies and silver
Lay, lay o, lay o

Congo, lay o, lay o, la
Africa, la o, lay o
Volta do mar largo
Turn on the open sea

Bring it back round the cape
Bring it back

Fill the boat with our take
Bring it back

Congo, lay o, lay o, la
Africa, la o, lay o
Volta do mar largo
Turn on the open sea

Volta do mar largo
AFRICA!

© Paul Jarman 2001