Waiata Tangi These laments for the dead are set to a short musical theme which is repeated throughout the song, a theme which contrasts markedly in its slow tempo and definite melody with the rapid chanting of the patere and oriori. Many hundreds of these songs have been recorded, varying widely in their length, composition and content. It is fairly usual for them to begin with a reference to some aspect of nature, often something which is taken as a portent of death: ‘The lightning flashes, and forks above the mountain peak. It is the sign of death.’ The grief occasioned by death is likened to rain, to the moaning of the sea, or to biting winds. And loneliness is a constantly recurring theme. The circumstances of the death are often mentioned, and if there is a motive, as in the case of death in battle or by witchcraft, plans for revenge may be outlined.
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Bibliographic details
Te Ao Hou, November 1964, Page 46
Word Count
155Waiata Tangi Te Ao Hou, November 1964, Page 46
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C/- Te Puni Kokiri
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WELLINGTON
Phone: (04) 922 6000
Email: MB-RPO-MPF@tpk.govt.nz
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