Drie Vlaamse liederen (Three Flemish Songs)

Circumstances of the arrangement 

Casteels arranged the following three well-known Flemish folksongs for SATB a cappella for the NUS choir of which he was at the time Music Dirfector: De reus die komt (the giant who comes), Des Winters als het regent (In the winter when it rains), Daar was laatst een meisje loos (there was once a girl). 

• 1. This ancient Flemish folksong refers to the colorful Giant's processions  that are still a vibrant part of cultural life in Belgium.

• 2.The song about temptation and flirtation tells the simple story of a fisherman walking in the deep mud of winter to go fishing. The mischievous miller's daughter stands in her doorway to watch him pass. The fisherman asks why she won't let him pass peacefully. She replies that he must give her three kisses before he can leave.

• 3. The third song tells the story of a brave girl who disguises herself as a boy to enlist for seven years on a sailing ship as an ordinary sailor. However, the hard work or a storm causes her disguise to be exposed. In some versions, she is sent to the cabin for punishment. Her pregnancy is revealed. The captain marryies her before the ship reaches shore, In other versions, she is just set free with a kiss

Completion of the arrangement 

8-I-1997