Four Folk Songs is a set of pieces based upon four Hindu legends that I found to be intriguing for either their fascinating descriptions, or philosophical content. 

'The Mountain on a Finger' tells the story of a village of people who choose to follow the God Krishna, instead of Indra. Indra causes a rainstorm to flood the villagers, but Krishna saves the villagers by lifting the entire mountain on his finger, and uses it as an umbrella. 

'Two Frogs' tells the story of two frogs who fall into a vessel of milk. The one frog quickly gives up, but the other keeps swimming, until its legs turn the milk into butter and it escapes. 

'The Blind Men and the Elephant' tells the story of a group of blind men who touch an elephant to learn what it is like. Each one feels a different part, but only one part. They then compare notes and learn that they are in complete disagreement. 

'A Meeting with Death' tells the story of a father who offers his son up as sacrifice to the God of death (Yama). In Yama's kingdom, the boy asks for three wishes: that his father be pleased with him, that he goes to heaven, and that Yama tell him the secret of life and death.

Pianist: Sherry Du

Movement 1: The Mountain On A Finger

Contemporary Music Composer | Sound Designer

Movement 1: The Mountain On A Finger

Steven Webb