Werner Jaegerhuber

Credit: Sylvia Salmi, from the Claude Dauphin collection

Composer Werner Jaegerhuber (1900-1953) studied composition in Germany. Returning to his native Haiti, he travelled the country collecting folk melodies, especially those used in Vodou ceremonies. He quoted these melodies in his many operas, masses, and chamber music works. Below, listen to the first movement, “Erzulie,” from his Suite Folklorique. “Erzulie” is a family of Vodou spirits who represent love and motherhood. Listen to the entire Suite here.

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