El cant dels ocells (Traditional catalan songs)
Pau Casals (Arrangement)

El Cant dels Ocells (The Song of the Birds) is a beloved Catalan traditional song, immortalized by Pau Casals in his beautiful arrangement for cello. This iconic piece has become a universal symbol of peace and cultural identity, transcending its origins to connect with people around the worlds. Performed as a cello and piano duo, it expresses deep emotion and beauty.

Rooted in Catalan folklore, El Cant dels Ocells describes the joy of nature on the day of the birth of the baby Jesus. While its melody is simple, its deep spiritual and cultural significance extends far beyond its religious origins, representing themes of freedom and resilience.

Pau Casals, one of the greatest cellists in history, turned El Cant dels Ocells into a notable piece for cello. His arrangement preserves the song’s simplicity while giving a sense of longing and hope. The cello sings with an almost human voice, while the piano provides a harmonic base, creating an intimate dialogue between the two instruments. In this case, I will also be playing the piano solo parts in the piece, giving Pau Casals’ arrangement a completely different sound while remaining equally effective.

El Cant dels Ocells became a personal anthem for Pau Casals, who performed it worldwide as a request for peace during his exile. Today, its melody continues to inspire musicians and audiences, making it an emotional addition to any recital.