Passed from mother to daughter for generations, folk songs provide fascinating insights into the lives of ordinary people in centuries past. Diane Taraz mines these traditional songs for clues to the inner lives of women in Europe and America from about 1500 to 1850.
Women left few written records, but we can learn much about them through the music they used to speed their work, lift their spirits, or ease an aching heart. Diane sings songs of love, childbirth, marriage, and adventure -- songs that brim with energy and humor, determination and despair, and all the joys and sorrows of a world lit only by fire.
Audiences are always fascinated by the way attitudes and beliefs from the past still echo in our lives today.
Diane performs in costume and accompanies herself on guitar and dulcimer.
She sings many of the songs unaccompanied, with voice alone, the most authentic
style. "Silver Dagger" is a delightful trip back in time, through some of the most beautiful
and lively songs ever created.
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The SongsThe Riddle SongA Brisk Young Sailor The Trees They Do Grow High Whistle, Daughter My Johnny Was a Shoemaker Never Wed an Old Man The Factory Girl Sorry the Day I Was Married The Death of Queen Jane Low Lands of Holland Me Husband's Got No Courage In Him Three Drunken Maidens Fair Maid Sailor To hear these songs, search for Diane on CD Baby -- www.cdbaby.com -- where you can listen to excerpts from all the tracks without having to buy anything. |
A Silver Dagger can be a one-hour program or a multisession
workshop. To book this enjoyable and educational performance, call
Diane at (781) 648-3719 or e-mail her at diane@dianetaraz.com.
References:
Mark Schmidt, Winslow House, Marshfield. 781-837-5753, mark.schmidt@winslowhouse.org
Susan Bennett, Lexington Historical Society. 781-861-9568, susan.bennett10@verizon.net