Riu, Riu, Chiu (403.01) (opt. Perc) (The term Villancico was first applied in Renaissance Spain to a rustic refrain derived from mediaeval dance forms and songs. It developed in the 16th century into a more polyphonic style increasingly related to religious themes. It retained its folk-like character, despite its cared use, especially at Christmas, much in the way of the English mediaeval carol. The term has now come to mean ‘Christmas Carol’. Riu, Riu, Chiu tells of God’s protection of a young lamb from a rabid wolf and parallels the event to the Christmas story. Performance notes: Play the ‘verses’ (letters: A, C, E and G) in a rustic and unself-conscious manner. Point the rhythms and make the accents. The refrains should be lighter but still very clearly articulated and rhythmically vital.)
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