Written Then, Heard Now: Reimagining Old Texts Through Global Songs

Words don’t have to stay on the page, and music doesn’t have to stay in the time of its creation. The four artists collected by DJ Betto Arcos, a frequent All Things Considered guest who hosts Global Village on KPFK in Los Angeles, know this.

On this visit to the program, Arcos showcases musicians from Algeria, Mali, Italy and Albania who have infused historic poems, stories and folk tunes with new music and new meaning. Hear the conversation with host Arun Rath at the audio link, and listen to the songs below.

Re-imagining Old Poems and Songs

Ibrahim Maalouf & Oxmo Puccino

“Jamais quand il faut”
From: Au Pays d’Alice

Souad Massi

“Ayna”
From: Mtakallimun (Masters of the World)

Elina Duni Quartet

“Sytë”
From: Dallëndyshe

Ludovico Einaudi

“Taranta”
From: Taranta Project