In putting this program together, I came to the realization that the works on this program each display influence from various folk traditions: Stutschewsky’s Legend is inspired by Jewish cantorial melodies, Ginastera’s Pampeana No. 2, op. 21 features a traditional Argentine dance known as the malambo in its fiery conclusion, and Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances uses authentic fiddle tunes from Transylvania. Britten’s first cello suite contains several elements of traditional music, from the Serenata reminiscent of flamenco guitar to the Bordone that evokes the sound of the hurdy-gurdy. Janaček’s Pohádka, literally translating to “Fairy Tale,” is inspired by an epic poem rooted in Russian folklore.