Ukrainian National Music

Arsenii Melnykov
BMD0201 Music
1. Polyphonic Singing
Ukrainian music is known for its
unique form of polyphonic
singing called "khrystynuvannya"
or "kantylena."
2. Dumy
Dumy are epic ballads that recount
historical events, heroic deeds, and love
stories.

It involves multiple voices singing These songs were traditionally sung

independent melodic lines a cappella and served as a way to
simultaneously, creating rich preserve and pass on Ukrainian folklore
harmonies. and history.

!One of the most famous examples of a dumy is "Marusia Churai,"

a ballad about a young woman who disguises herself as a man to join
the Cossack army and fight alongside her beloved.!
 3. Kobzarstvo 4. Hutsul Music
Kobzarstvo refers to the art of being a
kobzar, a wandering musician-poet. Hutsuls are an ethnic group in the
Kobzars play the bandura and sing Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine,
Dumy, acting as storytellers, known for their vibrant and energetic
chroniclers, and preservers of folk music. Hutsul music often features
Ukrainian culture. fast-paced rhythms, intricate
instrumental melodies, and lively dance
tunes.

The content of kobzar songs and poems covered a

wide range of topics, including heroic deeds, battles,
Cossack folklore, love stories, and historical events.
They were often performed in a narrative style,
combining music, singing, and spoken word to
captivate their audiences.
5. Bandura
The bandura is a traditional Ukrainian string instrument with a history dating back centuries.
It is a plucked instrument similar to a lute or a harp and is often associated with the Cossacks.

It typically has a wooden body, a flat soundboard,

and anywhere from 30 to 65 strings, which are
usually made of metal. The strings are divided into
two sets: the melody strings, which run along the
neck and are plucked to produce the melody, and the
drone strings, which are located on the side of the
soundboard and resonate sympathetically.
6. Trembita

The trembita is a long wooden horn

traditionally used by Ukrainian mountain
dwellers, particularly the Hutsuls. It produces a
deep, haunting sound and is often used in folk
music to evoke a sense of the Ukrainian
wilderness.
The trembita produces a deep, resonant sound with a
distinctive timbre. It is a natural trumpet-like instrument
that can be heard over long distances. Traditionally,
trembitas were used as communication tools in the
mountainous regions, where the sound could carry across
valleys and serve as signals for various purposes, such as
gathering the community or warning of danger.
 7. Kolomiyka
Kolomiyka is a popular Ukrainian folk dance characterized by its quick tempo
and lively, syncopated rhythms. The music accompanying the dance is usually
played on traditional instruments like violins, flutes, and drums.

"Oi u poli ta na poli" ("In the Field and on the Field"): This is a widely recognized
kolomiyka that is often performed at festive occasions and cultural events. Its energetic tempo
and catchy melody make it a favorite among dancers and musicians alike.

"Arkan" ("The Arch"): This kolomiyka is named after the dance movement where dancers
form an arch with their raised arms, and others pass underneath. The music is characterized by
a lively and spirited rhythm that matches the dynamic nature of the dance.

"Oi chom ty ne letish" ("Oh, Why Aren't You Dancing"): This kolomiyka features a playful
and infectious melody that encourages dancers to join in the joyous celebration. Its lively
tempo and lively rhythm make it a popular choice at weddings and festive gatherings.
These are just a few fascinating aspects
of Ukrainian music. The country's
musical heritage is vast and varied,
offering a rich tapestry of sounds, styles,
and cultural influences.