Traditional ethnic Ukrainian music

Ukraine found itself at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and this is reflected within the music in a perplexing mix of exotic singing with chordal harmony which does not always easily fit the rules of traditional Western European harmony. The most striking general characteristic of authentic ethnic Ukrainian folk music is the wide use of minor modes or keys. This is an indication that the major-minor system developed in Western European music did not become as entrenched or as sophisticated in Ukraine.

Harmonically three and even four part harmony had developed and was recorded in the central steppe regions of Ukraine, but was not in popular use in the mountain regions by the late 19th century.

· Ritual songs show the greatest tendency to preservation. They are frequently in recitative style, essentially monodic, based on notes in the range of a third or a fourth. An example of this style is the theme for the Shchedrivka "Shchedryk" known in the West as "Carol of the Bells".

· A large group of Ukrainian ritual melodies fall within a perfect fourth with the main central tone as the lowest note. Many of the ritual Easter melodies known as Hayivky fall into this category. The tetrachordal system is also found in wedding and harvest songs. Folk dances often have melodies based on two tetrachords fused together.

• The pentatonic scale is common in spring songs known as Vesnianky.

· The bulk of Ukrainian folk songs melodies are based on scales identical to mеdieval modes, but differ in melodic structure. This is a feature of traditional paraliturgical Koliadky.

· The augmented 2nd interval is found, as well as the raising of the fourth and seventh degree of the scale. It is often used for melodic expression. This melodic manner gives an effect that is described as adding severe tension or sadness in some Ukrainian songs.

Traditional Ukrainian music is easily recognized by its somewhat melancholy tone. It first became known outside of Ukraine during the 18th century as musicians from Ukraine would perform before the royal courts in Russia and Poland. Ukraine's music history spans back many years and remains popular today.

The bandura is commonly heard in Ukrainian music particularly those of the folk and semi-classical genres. A musical instrument from the 19th century, the bandura's forerunners were the kobza and torban. The use of these fascinating instruments is facing a revival in recent years.

Certain tribes within Ukraine are known for their own unique music. The Hutsuls of the Carpathian Mountains make use of a trembita (alpenhorn) and different flutes. A great example of the rhythms and melodies of Hutsul folk music was seen in Ruslana Lyzhichko's performance at the 2004 Eurovision contest.

Many exciting musicians and bands have come out of Ukraine. Some of them are dedicated to preserving the original traditional sounds of Ukrainian music whilst others have introduced new styles such as Ukrainian pop music. Ukraine is also well-known for its many great classical music performers.

Vocabulary

perplexing – складний

chordal – струнний

authentic – справжній

entrenched – укорінений

sophisticated – витончений

а bulk – маса

augmented – посилений, розширений

а forerunner – попередник

to dedicate – присвячувати

Task 2. Choose the correct answer

1. What is the most striking general characteristic of authentic ethnic Ukrainian folk music?

a. minor modes b. major modes c. Mixolydian mode d. Dorian

2. Recitative style is used in:

a. ritual songs b. spring songs c. Koliadky d. wedding songs

3. The pentatonic scale is common in

a. Hayivky b. Shchedrivky c. Vesnianky d. Koliadky

4. The bandura's forerunners were:

a. trembita b. bagpipes c. flute d. kobza

Task 3. Put the questions to the underlined words:

a. The pentatonic scale is common in spring songs known as Vesnianky.

b. Traditional Ukrainian musicbecame known outside of Ukraine during the 18th century as musicians from Ukraine would perform before the royal courts in Russia and Poland.

Task 4. Answer the following questions:

1. Where is Ukraine situated?

2. What is an indication that the major-minor system developed in Western European music did not become as entrenched or as sophisticated in Ukraine?

3. What songs show the greatest tendency to preservation?

4. What scales are the bulk of Ukrainian folk songs melodies based on?

5. What is often used for melodic expression?

Task 5. Retell the text.