What are the most beautiful non-English language songs?
October 2, 2017 12:06 AM Subscribe
Inspired by I lie by David Lang, which is in Yiddish, I'm trying to collect a playlist of beautiful songs that are in languages other than English. Beauty is obviously subjective, so whatever you think is beautiful is fine (I don't feel the need to qualify what type of music is what I'm saying).
For me, it would have to be the lullaby I heard a friend sing to her baby. Maybe it was Aararo Aariraro.
posted by Wobbuffet at 1:32 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Wobbuffet at 1:32 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Aicha, Cheb Khalid. It has been covered in multiple languages but I think the original (in French, with an Arabic bit) is the most beautiful.
posted by Ziggy500 at 1:32 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Ziggy500 at 1:32 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Baba Yetu - A Swahili rendition of the Lord's Prayer, popularized by the score for Civilization IV
Hoppipolla - From Sigur Ros, mainly Icelandic with a little nonsense language sprinkled in
Cherry Tree Times - A Japanese children's choral from the brilliant soundtrack for the game Katamari Damacy. This comment from justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow and this follow-up I found in a forum does a great job translating the lyrics and explaining the cultural and emotional resonance of the song.
Akehlulek Ubaba - A Ladysmith Black Mambazo from an early 2000s Christian music CD that's stuck with me for years. A primarily Zulu gospel song mixed with a little English. LyricsWiki has the (non-translated) lines.
One By One - In a similar vein, a joyful Zulu song by Lebo M (the guy responsible for most of the traditional non-Zimmer music in The Lion King). Genius has annotated lyrics.
(Speaking of Lion King, if you're a fan of Disney songs you may enjoy knowing that all of their movie songs are re-recorded into dozens of languages; see e.g. "Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas multilanguage mix.)
posted by Rhaomi at 1:37 AM on October 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
Hoppipolla - From Sigur Ros, mainly Icelandic with a little nonsense language sprinkled in
Cherry Tree Times - A Japanese children's choral from the brilliant soundtrack for the game Katamari Damacy. This comment from justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow and this follow-up I found in a forum does a great job translating the lyrics and explaining the cultural and emotional resonance of the song.
Akehlulek Ubaba - A Ladysmith Black Mambazo from an early 2000s Christian music CD that's stuck with me for years. A primarily Zulu gospel song mixed with a little English. LyricsWiki has the (non-translated) lines.
One By One - In a similar vein, a joyful Zulu song by Lebo M (the guy responsible for most of the traditional non-Zimmer music in The Lion King). Genius has annotated lyrics.
(Speaking of Lion King, if you're a fan of Disney songs you may enjoy knowing that all of their movie songs are re-recorded into dozens of languages; see e.g. "Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas multilanguage mix.)
posted by Rhaomi at 1:37 AM on October 2, 2017 [2 favorites]
José Maria, Orchestre Franco (i.e. one of the many names Franco and the T.P.O.K. Jazz recorded under)
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:44 AM on October 2, 2017
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:44 AM on October 2, 2017
Ahmedo by the amazing Kurdish singer Aynur Doğan
Kaan ya ma kaan by Palestinian-Austrian singer and oud genius Marwan Abado. This is pure magic and I want it played at my funeral.
Mere saahiba by the queen of sufi Abida Parveen
posted by runincircles at 1:58 AM on October 2, 2017
Kaan ya ma kaan by Palestinian-Austrian singer and oud genius Marwan Abado. This is pure magic and I want it played at my funeral.
Mere saahiba by the queen of sufi Abida Parveen
posted by runincircles at 1:58 AM on October 2, 2017
Two Dutch songs:
Onderweg by Boudewijn de Groot (also sung live, together with his daughter).
Pauline by Bram Vermeulen. Live version.
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:35 AM on October 2, 2017
Onderweg by Boudewijn de Groot (also sung live, together with his daughter).
Pauline by Bram Vermeulen. Live version.
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:35 AM on October 2, 2017
Estonian
Seisab Velurikas Ema, by Urmas Sisask (choral)
French
Cantique de Jean Racine, by Gabriel Faure (choral/orchestral)
German
Der Leieirmann, by Franz Schubert (voice/piano)
So Weit We Noch Nie, by Jurgen Paape (electronic)
Italian
Ancora Tu, version by Róisín Murphy (pop)
Ombra mai fu, by Handel (opera)
Un bel di vedremo, by Puccini (opera)
Latin
Agnus Dei, by Samuel Barber (choral)
The complete Requiem, by Gabriel Faure, especially Libera Me and In Paradisum (choral/orchestral)
Miserere, by Henryk Gorecki (choral)
Ubi caritas, by Maurice Durufle (choral)
Os justi, by Anton Bruckner (choral)
Lithuanian
Tykus Tykus, by Vaclovas Augustinas (choral)
Russian
Cherubic Hymn, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
Eternal Counsel, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
Eternal Memory, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
The Great Doxology, by Apostol Nikolaev-Strumsky (choral)
Spanish
Otra Era by Javiera Mena (pop)
posted by rollick at 2:40 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Seisab Velurikas Ema, by Urmas Sisask (choral)
French
Cantique de Jean Racine, by Gabriel Faure (choral/orchestral)
German
Der Leieirmann, by Franz Schubert (voice/piano)
So Weit We Noch Nie, by Jurgen Paape (electronic)
Italian
Ancora Tu, version by Róisín Murphy (pop)
Ombra mai fu, by Handel (opera)
Un bel di vedremo, by Puccini (opera)
Latin
Agnus Dei, by Samuel Barber (choral)
The complete Requiem, by Gabriel Faure, especially Libera Me and In Paradisum (choral/orchestral)
Miserere, by Henryk Gorecki (choral)
Ubi caritas, by Maurice Durufle (choral)
Os justi, by Anton Bruckner (choral)
Lithuanian
Tykus Tykus, by Vaclovas Augustinas (choral)
Russian
Cherubic Hymn, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
Eternal Counsel, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
Eternal Memory, by Pavel Chesnokov (choral)
The Great Doxology, by Apostol Nikolaev-Strumsky (choral)
Spanish
Otra Era by Javiera Mena (pop)
posted by rollick at 2:40 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Guisa - Sara Tavares, which means 'Lament' in Cape Verdean Creole.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:43 AM on October 2, 2017
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:43 AM on October 2, 2017
HAPPY BIRTHDAY P'PARCO by PIZZICATO FIVE - Japanese
posted by therubettes at 2:56 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by therubettes at 2:56 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Occitan: All of the Chants d'Auvergne arranged etc by Joseph Canteloube, but especially the Brezairola (Berceuse). Also known as Soun, soun, béni, béni, it's a beautiful lullaby (translation) recorded by many, including Barbra Streisand.
posted by humph at 3:52 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by humph at 3:52 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Welsh: So many to choose from (Calon Lân, Ar Hyd y Nos, Myfanwy, Cwm Rhondda) but my favourite is Sospan Fach sung by Cerys Matthews. Lyrics and translation.
posted by humph at 4:20 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by humph at 4:20 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
San me koitas - from the soundtrack to the 1971 Greek romance film Ekeino to kalokairi
Travessia - by Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento
Už tūkstančio durų - by Lithuanian folk band Kūjeliai
Campfire - by Japanese folk rock band ROTH BART BARON
posted by J.K. Seazer at 4:49 AM on October 2, 2017
Travessia - by Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento
Už tūkstančio durų - by Lithuanian folk band Kūjeliai
Campfire - by Japanese folk rock band ROTH BART BARON
posted by J.K. Seazer at 4:49 AM on October 2, 2017
De Cara A La Pared - sung in Spanish by Lhasa De Sela.
posted by merriment at 5:08 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by merriment at 5:08 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Bloxworth Snout gave you one beautiful Estonian song, and there are many - a couple more to send you off in the right direction:
Una meeles by Maarja Nuut
Jannilaul by Veljo Tormis
posted by penguin pie at 5:42 AM on October 2, 2017
Una meeles by Maarja Nuut
Jannilaul by Veljo Tormis
posted by penguin pie at 5:42 AM on October 2, 2017
Baba Yetu - A Swahili rendition of the Lord's Prayer, popularized by the score for Civilization IV
Further, it's worth noting that Baba Yetu is just one song on an album by composer Christopher Tin in which every track is sung in a different language.
The whole damn album is amazing.
posted by 256 at 7:22 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Further, it's worth noting that Baba Yetu is just one song on an album by composer Christopher Tin in which every track is sung in a different language.
The whole damn album is amazing.
posted by 256 at 7:22 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Edith Piaf: La Vie En Rose & Non, Je ne regrette rien
Ollano: Latitudes
Thievery Corporation: Le Monde
Nusrat Ali Khan feat. Massive Attack: Mustt Mustt
Tinariwen: Assouf
Paul Simon & Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Homeless (partially in English) - Live Version
T. Quasthoff & D. Barenboim: Der Leiermann (Schubert - Winterreise)
G. Gabrieli: Vocal works
Angelite (The Bulgarian Voices) & Huun-Huur-Tu: Lonely Bird
Umeko Ando: Pekambe Uk
posted by snuffleupagus at 7:26 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Ollano: Latitudes
Thievery Corporation: Le Monde
Nusrat Ali Khan feat. Massive Attack: Mustt Mustt
Tinariwen: Assouf
Paul Simon & Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Homeless (partially in English) - Live Version
T. Quasthoff & D. Barenboim: Der Leiermann (Schubert - Winterreise)
G. Gabrieli: Vocal works
Angelite (The Bulgarian Voices) & Huun-Huur-Tu: Lonely Bird
Umeko Ando: Pekambe Uk
posted by snuffleupagus at 7:26 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
One gets sick of it because they sing it all the time, but Isa Lei (Fijian) is very pretty.
posted by orrnyereg at 7:46 AM on October 2, 2017
posted by orrnyereg at 7:46 AM on October 2, 2017
Ladarke, performed by Lado, the Croatia national dance troupe.
There's a lovely dance to these, as well. There are many versions of Sabrali sa se sabrali; this one is by Slaveya.
Devoiko Mari Hubava. I don't read whatever language this is in Crylllic, so I can't give credit.
posted by theora55 at 8:01 AM on October 2, 2017
There's a lovely dance to these, as well. There are many versions of Sabrali sa se sabrali; this one is by Slaveya.
Devoiko Mari Hubava. I don't read whatever language this is in Crylllic, so I can't give credit.
posted by theora55 at 8:01 AM on October 2, 2017
Are You Certain by Hercules and Love Affair (not English despite the title)
https://youtu.be/UNULNfKfV2A
posted by masquesoporfavor at 8:36 AM on October 2, 2017
https://youtu.be/UNULNfKfV2A
posted by masquesoporfavor at 8:36 AM on October 2, 2017
Some beautiful work comes from Rachmaninov's choral interpretations of the Russian Orthodox liturgy:
Tebe Poem (We Hymn Thee), from the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Blagoslovi, Dushe Moya, Gospoda (Bless the Lord, O My Soul), from the All-Night Vigil
...and this particular interpretation of Japan's national hymn I find remarkable:
Kimigayo
posted by ESM1 at 8:50 AM on October 2, 2017
Tebe Poem (We Hymn Thee), from the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Blagoslovi, Dushe Moya, Gospoda (Bless the Lord, O My Soul), from the All-Night Vigil
...and this particular interpretation of Japan's national hymn I find remarkable:
Kimigayo
posted by ESM1 at 8:50 AM on October 2, 2017
Spanish:
La Frontera - version by Lhasa la Sela
La Ventana -version here by Shimshai - but look for his proper recording.
Gaelic:
Fear a Bhata- version by Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections
French:
Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai - Francis Cabrel
posted by rongorongo at 9:04 AM on October 2, 2017
La Frontera - version by Lhasa la Sela
La Ventana -version here by Shimshai - but look for his proper recording.
Gaelic:
Fear a Bhata- version by Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections
French:
Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai - Francis Cabrel
posted by rongorongo at 9:04 AM on October 2, 2017
The Irish choral group Anúna has a whole lot of amazing music in Irish Gaelic and Latin. (also English.)
Media Vita
Christus Resurgens
Fionnghuala
Dúlamán
posted by dnash at 9:17 AM on October 2, 2017
Media Vita
Christus Resurgens
Fionnghuala
Dúlamán
posted by dnash at 9:17 AM on October 2, 2017
There was a reddit thread a few years ago that asked this, I snarfed it down via youtube as a playlist, but cant seem to find that thread now.
A few stuck with me:
Blumfed - Tausend Tränen tief
Carla Bruni Quelqu'un m'a dit
Jueves - Le Orjeda de Van Gogh
I wish i could find that collection thread, I carry that 100+ songs with me everywhere, its always nice to listen to, and made me realize that although i consider myself a audiophile, I'm so sheltered in terms of expanding my horizon beyond the English speaking songs i typically collect. Although I don't understand languages in that collection, the beauty of music truly transcends your spoken language.
posted by edman at 1:40 PM on October 2, 2017
A few stuck with me:
Blumfed - Tausend Tränen tief
Carla Bruni Quelqu'un m'a dit
Jueves - Le Orjeda de Van Gogh
I wish i could find that collection thread, I carry that 100+ songs with me everywhere, its always nice to listen to, and made me realize that although i consider myself a audiophile, I'm so sheltered in terms of expanding my horizon beyond the English speaking songs i typically collect. Although I don't understand languages in that collection, the beauty of music truly transcends your spoken language.
posted by edman at 1:40 PM on October 2, 2017
女兒歌 (Song of the Daughter) from the 1984 Mainland Chinese film Yellow Earth
posted by the wine-dark sea at 2:06 PM on October 2, 2017
posted by the wine-dark sea at 2:06 PM on October 2, 2017
A post on the website Dangerous Minds called this the "Saddest song in the world" ... or the most beautiful. Georgian singer Hamlet Gonashvilli singing Gogov, Gogov Shavtvalav.
posted by mulcahy at 7:04 PM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by mulcahy at 7:04 PM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
And this Norwegian song which I can only find online in a medley - the beautiful song begins at 6:50 minutes. From Bukkene Bruse.
posted by mulcahy at 7:24 PM on October 2, 2017
posted by mulcahy at 7:24 PM on October 2, 2017
I've always loved Magdamalabares by Marisa Montes. (Portuguese) and Tajabone by Ismael Lô. (Wolof, I think)
posted by msali at 7:45 PM on October 2, 2017
posted by msali at 7:45 PM on October 2, 2017
Italian, Impressioni di Settembre by Enrico Nordio. It's a cover of an original by PFM but I find it more beautiful.
posted by lydhre at 6:17 AM on October 3, 2017
posted by lydhre at 6:17 AM on October 3, 2017
Gearoidín Breathnach's performance of An Seanduine Doite that won Corn Uí Riada. There's a few different interpretations of this to be found, but I especially love Sean-nós singing, and this song (and the audience reactions) I find to be very beautiful.
posted by curiousgene at 10:05 AM on October 3, 2017
posted by curiousgene at 10:05 AM on October 3, 2017
"Sto Perigiali" by Mikis Theodorakis...I love this version by Maria Farantouri.
posted by exceptinsects at 2:29 PM on October 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by exceptinsects at 2:29 PM on October 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
Besame Mucho. Just about everyone has sung it including The Beatles and Elvis.
But here is Andre Bocelli's version.
posted by drinkmaildave at 6:28 PM on October 3, 2017
But here is Andre Bocelli's version.
posted by drinkmaildave at 6:28 PM on October 3, 2017
Bulgaria: Iziel je Delyo - as featured on Voyager's Golden Record. Hauntingly beautiful.
posted by freya_lamb at 2:19 AM on October 4, 2017
posted by freya_lamb at 2:19 AM on October 4, 2017
The song "Sraid an Chloig" by Solas (in Gaelic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajDyZ7vdEYA
They have done a number of tracks in Gaelic that are quite nice, in fact, like Nil 'Na Lá.
posted by wenestvedt at 6:17 AM on October 4, 2017
They have done a number of tracks in Gaelic that are quite nice, in fact, like Nil 'Na Lá.
posted by wenestvedt at 6:17 AM on October 4, 2017
Response by poster: Thanks heaps guys, these have been awesome suggestions!
posted by supercrayon at 8:57 PM on October 4, 2017
posted by supercrayon at 8:57 PM on October 4, 2017
Quick vote for this performance of Calon Lân by the aforementioned Cerys Matthews
posted by runincircles at 10:52 PM on October 10, 2017
posted by runincircles at 10:52 PM on October 10, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Splunge at 12:09 AM on October 2, 2017 [1 favorite]