Maori Songs of New Zealand

According to legend, the Māori migrated by canoe from Hawaiki in eastern Polynesia to New Zealand a thousand years ago. As their population increased over time, so did feuding among tribes, and warfare became a prominent feature of Māori culture. Not surprisingly, then, many traditional songs—which actually are monotonic chants with little accompanying instrumentation—deal with raids and battles. One type of song, the haka, was chanted before a battle not only to frighten the enemy but to make the performer himself more fearless. The final portion of a haka composed by one of the most famous fighting chieftains, triumphant after eluding his enemies, is heard at every Māori gathering: "it was death, it was death—it is life, it is life."

Other forms of traditional Māori songs featured on this 1952 album are waiata (love songs, lullabies, and laments for the dead) and karakia (incantations to various gods).

Liner notes include a history of the Māori, their music, and notes on each of the songs.

Track Listing

101	Oriori: Pope e Tangi Ana Tama Ki Te Kai Mana	Maori male singers	03:36
102	Waiata: Ka Riro Ra la Te Momo o Te Tangata	Maori male and female singers	03:17
103	Tangi: Lament by Te Paraona	Maori male and female singers	03:26
104	Waiata Aroha by Puhiwahine	Maori male and female singers	02:49
105	Haka of Te Rauparaha	Maori male singer and female chorus	03:29
106	Haka of Wairangi	Maori male singer and mixed chorus, drummer	01:09
201	Maemae	Maori male and female singers	01:50
202	Karakia to Tanemahuta	Maori male singer	01:04
203	Karakia to Tangaroa	Te Awara male singer	00:56
204	He Whakaaraara	Maori male singer	00:51
205	Te To O Tainui	Maori male singer	01:42
206	Toia Mai Te Waka	Maori male singer	00:20
207	Apakura	Maori male singer	02:29