Composer

:

Cancionero de Upsala Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:57

'Riu, riu chiu' is a traditional Spanish Christmas carol that was first published in the Cancionero de Upsala Anonymous in 1556. The carol is believed to have originated in the 16th century and has since become a popular Christmas song in Spain and Latin America. The carol is written in the villancico style, which was a popular form of Spanish song during the Renaissance. It is composed of four verses, each with a refrain that repeats the title phrase 'Riu, riu chiu'. The lyrics of the carol tell the story of the birth of Jesus and the protection he received from the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The first verse describes the arrival of the shepherds to the manger where Jesus was born. The second verse tells of the angels who appeared to the shepherds and sang 'Riu, riu chiu' to announce the birth of the savior. The third verse describes the protection that Mary and Joseph provided to Jesus, and the fourth verse praises the holy family. The melody of 'Riu, riu chiu' is simple and catchy, with a lively rhythm that is typical of the villancico style. The song is usually performed with a guitar or other stringed instrument, and often includes percussion instruments such as tambourines or castanets. One of the most distinctive features of 'Riu, riu chiu' is the use of onomatopoeic words in the refrain. The phrase 'Riu, riu chiu' is meant to imitate the sound of a nightingale, and is often accompanied by trills or other bird-like sounds. Overall, 'Riu, riu chiu' is a joyful and celebratory Christmas carol that has become an important part of Spanish and Latin American holiday traditions. Its catchy melody and lively rhythm make it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and celebrations around the world.

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