Serbian Folk Music: A Tradition Worth Keeping Alive

Serbian folk music is a tradition that is worth keeping alive. The music is rich and textured, and the instruments are beautiful.

Introduction to Serbian Folk Music

Serbian folk music is rich and varied, with a strong tradition of music and dance. The music is often based on traditional themes and instruments, with a strong emphasis on the folkloric traditions of the country.

The most common type of Serbian folk music is called gajda, which is played on a type of bagpipe called the gajde. This instrument is very popular in Serbia, and is also used in other parts of the Balkans. Other instruments used in Serbian folk music include the tamburitza, a string instrument similar to a mandolin; the accordion; and the zurna, a type of flute.

Serbian folk music has a long tradition of song and dance, with many different styles developing over the years. The most popular dances are the kolo, which is a circle dance that originates from the Balkan region, and the oro, which is a line dance that is often performed at weddings or other special occasions.

One of the most important aspects of Serbian culture is its folklore, and this is reflected in its folk music. Many of the songs that are sung today have been passed down through generations, retaining their original message and meaning.

Serbian folk music is an important part of the country’s culture and heritage, and it is something that should be celebrated and enjoyed by all.

The Origins of Serbian Folk Music

Serbian folk music is characterized by its own unique sound, which is a mixture of the music of the Slavic people who settled in the Balkans during the 7th century, and the music of the Byzantines and Greeks who inhabited Serbia prior to the Slavic migration.

This uniquely Serbian sound can be heard in the traditional instruments that are used in Serbian folk music, such as the gusle (a stringed instrument similar to a fiddle), tamburitza (a type of guitar), and frula (a flute). These instruments are often played together in ensembles, which creates a rich and complex soundscape.

The songs that are played on these traditional instruments often tells stories of ancient heroes and heroines, as well as more recent historical events. These songs were originally passed down orally from generation to generation, but they were also written down and published in books known as “guslar collections.”

Today, Serbian folk music is still an important part of the country’s culture, and there are many groups and ensembles that perform this type of music regularly. If you ever have the chance to see a Serbian folk music performance, it is definitely an experience that you will never forget!

The Instruments of Serbian Folk Music

Most of the instruments used in Serbian folk music are string instruments. The gusle, a one-stringed fiddle, is the most popular instrument. The gusle is usually accompanied by the tamburitza, a family of string instruments including the four-stringed kontra, the six-stringed prim and brac, and the twelve-stringed celo. The tamburitza can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.

The tamburitza is usually played by men, while women often play the gusle. Another popular instrument is the šargija, a type of lute. The šargija has two strings and is often played with a plectrum.

Serbian folk music also uses a number of percussion instruments. These include the tapan, a large drum that is played with two sticks; the daire, a small hand drum; and the zurla, a type of wind instrument similar to the oboe.

The Styles of Serbian Folk Music

Traditional Serbian music includes various styles and genres, with the two main categories being sacral music and secular music.

Sacral music was sung in churches and monasteries, while secular music was typically sung in homes and taverns. The two main styles of secular music were lirska narodna pesma (lyrical folk song) and starogradska narodna muzika (urban folk music).

Lirska narodna pesma is a more traditional style that is often based on ancient Slavic epics, while starogradska narodna muzika is a more modern style that developed in the 18th and 19th centuries in the city of Belgrade.

Some of the most popular instruments used in Serbian folk music include the gusle (a one-stringed fiddle), the tamburitza (a plucked string instrument), and the accordion.

The Lyrics of Serbian Folk Music

Lyrics of Serbian folk music are, just like the music, primarily vocal. They are present in three melodies: spiritual, work and love songs. Traditional lyrics were created during the time when illiteracy was widespread, which is why they are simple and mostly based on dani (rhyming). Work songs were usually sung while the work was being done and they mostly consisted of short motivic fragments. On the other hand, love songs were usually longer and more lyrical in character. Serbian folk lyrics often contain ethical and didactic messages.

One of the most important aspects of Serbian folk music is its oral tradition. For centuries, folk music was passed down from generation to generation through oral transmission. In recent years, however, there has been a decline in this tradition due to the increasing influence of mass media and pop culture. This is why it is important to keep the tradition of Serbian folk music alive by listening to it, singing it and playing it on traditional instruments.

The Performers of Serbian Folk Music

The performers of Serbian folk music are usually grouped into ensembles of five to twelve musicians called orkestar. The instruments in an orkestar vary depending on the Folk tradition being performed, but can include the gajde (a type of bagpipe), tamburitza (a string instrument related to the guitar), accordion, and šargija (a bowed string instrument). The music performed on these instruments is often fast-paced and lively, designed to get people up and dancing.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Serbian folk music, both within the country and among diaspora communities. This has led to the formation of new Folk ensembles that are keeping the tradition alive. In addition to playing at traditional Serbian events such as weddings and festivals, these ensembles often give concerts for Serbian-American groups and perform at cultural events organized by other ethnic groups.

One of the most popular Serbian Folk ensembles in the United States is the Horo Orchestra, based in Chicago. The Horo Orchestra was formed in 2000 by Dragomir Kljajić, a Yugoslav-born musician who has been playing traditional Serbian music for over 40 years. The Horo Orchestra has released two CDs – “Horo u srcu” (Horo in my Heart) and “Srpske narodne igre iz Amerike” (Serbian Folk Dances from America) – and performs regularly at concerts and cultural events around the Chicago area.

The Future of Serbian Folk Music

Despite the popularity of Serbian folk music, there is no guarantee that the tradition will continue into the future. With the ever-changing landscape of the music industry and the increasing globalisation of popular culture, it is often difficult for traditional music to maintain a foothold. As more people are exposed to different genres of music from all over the world, it can be easy for them to forget about their own traditional music.

However, there are many people who are fighting to keep Serbian folk music alive. There are various organisations and groups dedicated to preserving and promoting the genre, and many young people are taking an interest in learning about and playing traditional Serbian folk music. With the support of those who value this tradition, Serbian folk music has a good chance of remaining a part of the country’s cultural heritage for many years to come.