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Riu, Riu, Chiu

from Cello Noodles, Vol. V by Betsy Tinney

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"Riu, Riu, Chiu" is a traditional Spanish Christmas carol in the form known as a "villancico", dating from the early 16th century. Villancicos were country songs set to popular dance rhythms; the lyrics often instructed the listener in simple Catholic doctrine. "Riu, Riu, Chiu" became one of the more widely-known villancicos. Its lyrics have been attributed by many to Mateo Flecha (1481-1553). The melody, however, is probably much older -- from the fifteenth century or even earlier.

The chorus, in Spanish, goes as follows:

Riu, Riu, Chiu, la guarda ribera
Dios guardo el lobo de nuestra cordera
Dios guardo el lobo de nuestra cordera

And here's a rough translation:

"Riu, Riu, Chiu," [sings] the river guardian
[And thus] God kept the wolf from our lamb
God kept the wolf from our lamb

The opening call, "Riu Riu Chiu," imitates the warning call of the kingfisher -- the river guardian. (The kingfisher, which lives along the riverside, is known to aggressively guard its offspring against predators.) Through the bird's warning, God protects the lamb from danger.

Like many villancicos, "Riu, Riu, Chiu" was traditionally sung by a lone male voice, with the main choir joining in on the refrain. In my arrangement, however, the lone male voice parts are sung by my cello, with a cello/vocal choir on the refrains.

I hope your holidays are merry and bright, and that you and your heart stay warm throughout this chill winter.

lyrics

The chorus, in Spanish, goes as follows:

Riu, Riu, Chiu, la guarda ribera
Dios guardo el lobo de nuestra cordera
Dios guardo el lobo de nuestra cordera

And here's a rough translation:

"Riu, Riu, Chiu," [sings] the river guardian
[And thus] God kept the wolf from our lamb
God kept the wolf from our lamb

credits

from Cello Noodles, Vol. V, released December 31, 2021
Music: Traditional, 16th century
Lyrics: Traditional; attributed to Mateo Flecha (1481-1553)
Cello, vocals, and percussion: Betsy Tinney

Cover image: Traditional Valencian decorative tiles on the façade of an old house in Spain. Photograph by Inna Blanco; licensed via Dreamstime.com.

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Betsy Tinney Seattle, Washington

Betsy is a cello storyteller. Using her cello and an electronic looper, she weaves rich, complex and varied tapestries of sound; her original cello compositions paint pictures and tell tales, from thunderstorms and skeletal mice to dancing elephants and humpback whales. ... more

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