waiata tangi
song
Quick Summary
Waiata tangi are a type of Maori song, specifically laments for the dead or for other kinds of loss and misfortune. The word "tangi" itself means to mourn or cry in the Maori language and refers to a Maori funeral rite, often accompanied by a lament. These songs are an integral part of Maori oral tradition, which also includes love poems, war chants, and prayers. Traditional Maori music, including waiata tangi, is often characterized by narrow melodic lines and rhythm that is tied to the words.123
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