Remembrança, Traditional Suite for oboe and piano

The idea of creating a chamber piece for oboe and piano often crossed my mind. I considered various styles, such as contemporary, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. Then I realised that there exists a whole tradition of Catalan folk music that has been preserved to this day. It is the legacy of many generations who passed down these melodies through oral tradition. Some of them evoke memories of our childhood and our grandparents; others are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. We have heard some of them and know how to sing them, yet often we do not know their names or the stories behind them.

The five melodies of Remembrança (Remembrance) take us on a twenty-minute journey, during which it is easy to recognise and sing along to the music. Some of the melodies are altered, others transformed, and some intertwine into a single melody, even though they originate from two distinct tunes. The performers tell the story: in this case, the piano and the oboe, which are also my instruments and means of expression.

My intention is to raise awareness of traditional Catalan music and to celebrate it, particularly given its lack of visibility among younger generations. I want to preserve, maintain, defend, and share this musical heritage with contemporary audiences, both locally and internationally. These five melodies carry us through time, paying tribute to our ancestors. My goal is to revive these traditional songs, awaken memories in older listeners, and introduce younger audiences to the melodic richness and importance of folk music within the broader history of classical music.

Jana Ginesta

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