HO-JA-JA, HO-JA-JA* by Otmar Mácha (1922- 2006) is a Moravian Czech mountain song from the same cycle as “Hoj, hura, hoj” by Mácha. Czech pronunciation guide is provided. SSAA a cappella Choir. Grade: M Duration: 2:05

*Pronounced “Hoh-yah-yah”

Performance tips are in the Resources tab.

Notes:

“Ho-ja-ja, ho-ja-ja” is selection no. 5 from the set of five songs entitled “Lašské helekačky,” (pronounced “Lahsh-skeh  heh-leh-kahtch-kee”) composed on folk texts by Czech composer, Otmar Mácha.  The Moravian folk poetry dialect is from the Beskyde (pronounced “Bes-kee-deh”) Mountains and Valašsko (pronounced “Vah-lahsh-kaw”) region which is the natural border between Moravia and Slovakia where shepherding cattle and sheep have been a normal occupation for young fellows and girls.  This song highlights teenage gossip going on between youthful sheep grazers in the mountains as they call from one mountain to another.