Songs of the Basque

This piece consists of two movements which are drawn from the folk music of the Basque people from the north of Spain and the south of France. The Basques are an ancient, fiercely independent people who proudly declare themselves to be the oldest surviving culture in Europe. Traditional music is a very important part of their culture, and this fine band setting captures two contrasting Basque melodies; a traditional greeting song and a spirited dance melody, full of joy and celebration.