Lithuanian Songs and Dances

Lithuanian Songs and Dances presents Lithuanian folk songs, called dainos, alongside dances such as the polka and the Lithuanian jig. In his introduction to the album, V. F. Beliajus writes: "Lithuania has its share of dances too, but running second place to the number of songs in its repertoire." This is a matter of practicality—though one cannot usually dance if working on the farm, singing is always embraced. Songs and dances are mainly concerned with life on the farm: from chores such as planting, reaping, and cultivating to praise or reproach of creatures such as the grasshopper, mosquito, or goat. Liner notes include a brief album introduction and a list of suggested recordings from Monitor.