LA BRUJA - Traditional Mexican (arr. Christina Pluhar)

LA BRUJA - Traditional (Mexico, arr. Christina Pluhar) Song from the album CD “WONDER WOMEN“ (performed live during a concert in Herrenhausen Barock) L’Arpeggiata – Christina Pluhar Luciana Mancini – mezzosoprano Doron Sherwin - cornetto Josep María Martí Durán – baroque guitare Daniel Garray – percussions Diana Vinagre - baroque cello Leonardo Terruggi – double bass Marie van Rhijn – harpsichord Christina Pluhar – arrangements and musical direction The wonderful Mexican song La bruja (The Sorceress) is also a son jarocho and is sung and danced in the Veracruz, Oaxaca and Tabasco regions on the eve of the día de muertos (Day of the Dead) and during fandangos and huapangos, with the women dancing skilfully balancing a lighted candle or a pumpkin on their heads. Son jarocho originated in Mexico circa 1600 and has Spanish, indigenous and African roots. The fandango and huapango are musical fiestas in the Veracruz region of Mexico. Improvised poetry is sung in the village square while couples dance the zapateado. Originally in Mexico, any woman who refused to obey the rules of society, didn’t behave in the way people expected her to and wanted to live life on her own terms, was called a bruja. So for us, this song symbolises the freedom of all women in all cultures and historical periods. Album: WONDER WOMEN Musik by and about women Tragic and comic stories by and about heroines, saints, witches, sorceresses and mere mortals… The new opus “Wonder Women” by L’Arpeggiata and Christina Pluhar is dedicated to women. On the one hand, it is a homage to all the wonderful female composers of the 17th century, but also to all the talented female musicians of all times who too often had to hide their talent behind their husbands or give up their careers too early. On the other hand, Christina Pluhar also draws her inspiration from the traditional music of South America and Italy and looked for songs that tell stories about extraordinary, strong, courageous but also sad women. First and foremost is the wonderful Mexican song “La Bruja” (The Witch), which symbolizes the freedom of all women at all times and in all cultures. Please join us in celebrating all aspects of womanhood, and women with all their talents!