Tum Balalaika [HL:44002386]

As with his composition Shirim, Piet Swerts has based this new work on Jewish folksongs. The melody lines of Tum Balalaika provide a beautiful, Arab-sounding effect in the harmony. The various themes seamlessly follow each other to give a flowing piece featuring many melodies. Tum Balalaika is the name of the last, and probably most well-known, song of this rhapsodic work. The repeat of the melody in 3/4 time within different instrumental groups results in a stirring and energetic close. With Tum Balalaika, Piet Swerts has created yet another appealing piece that will be a welcome addition to the repertoire of every concert band.