Thank you, Naomi, for responding to my question.
>I can't think of an English word with that meaning, but the Hebrew word >you're looking for is 'nigun.' That's the singular; 'nigunim' is the >plural. But here's the trick: there are usually nonsense words to nigunim, >like "oy oy oy" or "ba da bum bum bum" or "bim bam" or "lai lai lai". They >are like Yiddish Scat!
Usually my vocal quintet sings just vowels, typically a single one for a whole piece. Would that music qualify as nigunim? My "Russian Siciliana" (http://artists.mp3s.com/artist_song/1345/1345768.html) goes "Tra da, da, da, da da". I guess that would qualify.
Can you tell me any more about the sort of songs that are nigunim? Are they restricted to a certain style? Or is it sufficient that they don't have words. And what about the etymology of the term? Can you tell me anything about that?
Thanks again, John Link
http:/www.cdBaby.com/JohnLink Check out my CDs: http://www.cdBaby.com/JohnLink2 (John Link Sextet) http://www.cdBaby.com/JohnLink (John Link Vocal Quintet)
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