Romancero

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Romancero

Romancero, akin to the ballad, originated in medieval Spain, often depicting royal intrigue, betrayals, and war captives, though not always tied to Jewish life. Some, however, have biblical themes from Jewish sources. Structurally, it consists of consecutive rhyming lines, with every two forming a repeating musical unit. Passed orally from mother to daughter, Romancero served various roles—accompanying women’s work and functioning as lullabies. Their soothing melodies calmed infants, while engaging narratives held older children’s attention. Often texts traveled between Moroccan and Balkan Jewish communities.

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From Morenika Izmirlia - Judeo-Spanish songs from Smyrna, 2020
Jerusalem National Sound Archives placement: Referenced and notated in: Romansero Sefardi de Oriente Editorial Alpuerto S.A. 2010 Susana Weich-Shahak
From Arboleras - De las altas mares, Ecos Sefardies de la isle de Rodas, 2009
From Arboleras - De las altas mares, Ecos Sefardies de la isle de Rodas, 2009
Informant: Matilde Abayo Jerusalem National Sound Archives placement: NSA Yc1096/18 Referenced and notated in: Romansero Sefardi de Oriente 21a Editorial Alpuerto S.A. 2010 Susana Weich-Shahak
From Arboleras Vol. 2 - Romances Sefardies Tradicion Oral