FolkTales set to Music from Around the Globe

By: World Music Institute
  • Summary

  • The WMI FolkTales podcast is an award-winning production that features improvised re-imaginings of classic folk tales from around the world set to music. Hosted by acclaimed storyteller Bill Gordh, each episode invites a guest musician to improvise a culturally-appropriate score in dialogue with Bill’s inspired re-tellings of beloved stories from around the globe, followed by a brief conversation between Bill and the guest artist. Recommended for children of all ages.

    WMI Folk Tales podcasts are supported by a grant from Con Edison and music lovers like you. We thank you!

    podcast producer: Kate Winn
    Podcast artwork courtesy of Cody Hudson - https://www.struggleinc.com
    © 2024 FolkTales set to Music from Around the Globe
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Episodes
  • India - A Flowering Tree with Saraswathi Ranganathan and Bill Gordh
    Nov 11 2024

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    In a tiny village, sisters Gitika and Lalitika are on a mission to save their struggling mom by selling blossoms from Gitika, who can magically transform into a flowering tree and back to herself again - but only with very careful preparations. The blooms catch the eye of Neela, the king’s daughter, who wants to keep them all for herself, but Neela's brother, the prince, uncovers Gitika's secret and falls in love with her. Unfortunately, Neela's flower obsession leads to some serious drama when she and her friends gather them carelessly, disregarding Gitika's specific instructions, and leaving Gitaka in flux. How will she transform into herself again?

    More about Saraswathi Ranganathan

    Sound editing courtesy of Cliff Hahn Sound

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    37 mins
  • West Africa - Why Sun and Moon Are Up in the Sky with Yacouba Sissoko and Bill Gordh
    Apr 17 2024

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    For this FolkTale episode, Bill plays banjo and is joined by Malian kora master, singer, and fellow storyteller Yacouba Sissoko. Yacouba was born to a well-known Djeli family in Kita, Mali. For centuries, Djelis have been the musical storytellers and keepers of the history and fables of their culture. The kora, a 21-stringed plucked instrument with a gourd resonator, is the traditional instrument accompanying their songs.

    Long ago when Sun and Moon lived on the earth, they played with their friend Water every day. When they invite Water to their house, Water sadly tells them it is impossible to visit because their home is too small. So Sun and Moon plan a surprise for Water that ends up surprising them!

    More about Yacouba Sissoko

    Sound courtesy of Cliff Hahn Sound

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    31 mins
  • Ukraine - A Garment for the Moon with Lisa Gutkin and Bill Gordh
    Dec 5 2023

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    Grammy Award-winning fiddler and vocalist Lisa Gutkin (The Klezmatics) and Bill Gordh tell the Jewish-Ukrainian tale A Garment for the Moon. The moon loves being up in the night sky but sometimes she gets cold. The tailors of the town try to weave a garment to keep her warm but she keeps changing shape! One tailor remembers a tale from his childhood about a place where they weave with light. Could that be the answer? And if so, how will he find it?

    More about Lisa Gutkin and The Klezmatics

    Editing courtesy of Cliff Hahn Sound

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    29 mins

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