Between the Lines: "Oy Khodyt Son," Arranged by Sarah Martinez

Oy Khodyt Son

Oy Khodyt Son is a traditional Ukrainian lullaby characterized by a somber minor key and heartfelt rubato. This beautifully sparse treatment invites ensembles to personalize their performance by including the optional piano accompaniment or featuring solo voices. An optional narrator may read the English text translation during delicate interludes. Both phonetic and IPA guides appear in the publication or view the pronunciation video to hear a demonstration by a native speaker.

Sarah Martinez

Arranger Sarah Martinez is a fine arts administrator for Pflugerville ISD near Austin, Texas. Previously she taught choir for six years and elementary music for seven years in Texas public schools. She received a Bachelor of Music summa cum laude from Texas State University and completed a master's degree and Kodály Certification. Her Doctor of Education degree in Teacher Leadership is from Walden University.

Sarah frequently leads professional development for school districts and regional, state, and national music education conferences. She teaches choir and conducting for levels I-III in the Rio Grande Valley Kodály Certification Program. Additionally, she teaches pedagogy and music literature for levels I-III in the secondary track at the Wichita State University Kodály Certification Program.

What inspired you to write Oy Khodyt Son?

The song dates back to at least 1837, but I recently discovered this Ukrainian lullaby when a friend shared a YouTube link to Квітка Цісик’s 1980 recording of it. I loved the melody line and mixed meter feel, and I wanted to make a choral arrangement that would allow others to learn it and enjoy it.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Oy Khodyt Son?

This piece can be performed with or without the piano accompaniment. If you are performing it a cappella, check out the differences at the end of the 4-measure “Oo” sections. Those familiar with singing in Latin or Spanish will hopefully find the Latin transliteration easily accessible, but take note of the two places where there is a “kh” written. These should be pronounced like you would say the “ch” in “Bach.” I would like to thank my friend Інна Пащенко who graciously checked the Latin transliteration for accuracy and also recorded the pronunciation video! We hope you'll find these tools useful in learning to pronounce the Ukrainian text.

What additional background information would be interesting for singers?

This Ukrainian lullaby had a big impact on American music! It was performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1929 by the Ukrainian National Choir, conducted by Олександр Кошиць. That performance inspired the opening line of the melody for George Gershwin's 1934 aria “Summertime.” “Summertime” is now the most recorded song in the history of recorded music, with more than 25,000 covers made by musicians in almost every genre.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

There is much turmoil in the world. This song is about finding a peaceful rest, which is my desire for each of you.

See & Hear Now