Folk Music in Ukraine: A Brief History
Contents
Folk music in Ukraine has a long and interesting history. Join us as we explore the origins and evolution of this music genre.
Origins
Folk music in Ukraine has its origins in the ancient times, when the land was still inhabited by Slavic tribes. The music was used for various purposes, such as magic rituals, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. The music was passed down from generation to generation, and it eventually became an integral part of Ukrainian culture.
Early history
The music of Ukraine has a long history. It can be traced back to the ancient times, when the Slavic tribes were just starting to settle the territories of present-day Ukraine. At that time, songs and dance were an important part of pagan rituals and social life.
One of the first written references to Ukrainian music dates back to 11th century, when chroniclers mentioned a type of song called “duma” in connection with the legendary hero Kiy. Duma was a slow and lyrical ballad, usually about heroic deeds or tragic events. Another early genre was “horilka” – a fast, upbeat song usually sung by drunk men (horila means “to drink”).
Over time, Ukrainian music evolved under the influence of various foreign cultures – from Byzantine chants and Gregorian melodies brought by Christian missionaries, to Polish lute music and Italian opera introduced by nobility in the 16th-17th centuries. At the same time, traditional folk music continued to be performed by common people all over Ukraine.
One of the most important turning points in Ukrainian musical history came in 19th century, with the rediscovery of lost manuscripts containing over 3,000 folk songs known as “dumy”. This event sparked a national revival of traditional music and helped preserve it for future generations.
Soviet era
The Soviet era was a time of intense repression for Ukrainian folk music. Folk bands and choirs were banned, and the Moscow-imposed composers’ union forbade the writing of traditional-styled music. Nevertheless, a few dedicated people managed to keep the music alive, performing clandestinely and passing on their repertoire to the next generation.
One of the most important figures in this underground folk music scene was Hryhorii Veryovka, a singer, bandura player, and composer who worked tirelessly to preserve traditional Ukrainian folk songs. In addition to his own compositions, Veryovka arranged hundreds of folk songs for voice and instruments, many of which were eventually published in a landmark collection called Russian Folk Songs (1964).
After Ukraine’s independence in 1991, folk music experienced a renaissance. Traditional bands and choirs were formed, festivals were organized, and new generations of musicians began to rediscover the beauty of their musical heritage. Today, Ukrainian folk music is once again an important part of the country’s cultural life.
Contemporary scene
The contemporary folk music scene in Ukraine is very vibrant, with a large number of performers and a wide variety of styles. The most popular style is probably the “verbuvannya” style, which is characterized by energetic dancing and lively music. Other popular styles include “kolomiyka” (a slower, more melancholy style) and “lirnyk” (a more lyrical, poetic style).
Popular performers
In the past decade, a new generation of performers has emerged on the Ukrainian music scene. These artists are often inspired by traditional folk music, but they also incorporate elements of rock, pop, and other genres. Some of the most popular contemporary performers include:
-Vasyl Slipak: A classically trained opera singer who became known for his work with the folk band Kobza Deux. He was tragically killed in 2016 while serving as a volunteer soldier in the war in Eastern Ukraine.
-Mariya Mazar: A singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from both traditional Ukrainian folk music and contemporary pop. She has released several successful albums and singles, and she is one of the most popular performers in Ukraine today.
-Yevhen Hutsol: A rapper and hip-hop artist who is known for his socially and politically conscious lyrics. He has released several albums and singles, and he frequently collaborates with other performers.
Venues and festivals
Folk music in Ukraine is often performed at folk clubs and festivals. The most popular folk music festival in Ukraine is the Krynytsia Folk Music Festival, which takes place every year in the city of Lviv. Other popular folk music festivals include the Dovbush Festival in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Hutsul Music and Dance Festival in Kolomyia, and the Shevchenko Festivals in Kiev and Lviv.
Conclusion
After a long and difficult history, the folk music of Ukraine is still alive and well. Ukrainians have always been a musical people, and their music has been an important part of their culture. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in traditional Ukrainian music, and many young people are now learning to play the traditional instruments. The future of Ukrainian folk music is bright, and it is sure to continue to be an important part of Ukrainian culture for many years to come.
