It has been said that a country’s soul is in the music of its people. Ukraine is a nation of many ethnic groups, each of whom has contributed to the evolution of Ukrainian folk music. Many of the people who travel to Kiev, the national capital, certainly want to get out of their accommodations in Kiev and hear the rock and heavy metal bands that keep the night spots jumping. But some of them also want to experience the centuries-old musical tradition that is the soul of the nation.
Although traditional Ukrainian music has been shaped by many influences, it basically has Cossack roots. The rousing musical style of that warrior society is distinctly Ukrainian. In medieval times, musicians called kobzars, many of whom were blind, entertained people with a stringed instrument called a bandura. They would recite long ballads about heroes, battles, romance, and stirring events in Ukrainian history. The bandura is now recognized as the official musical instrument of Ukraine. If you get out into the countryside and visit small towns and villages, you can see bandura players at traditional festivals and events such as weddings. You will also see such traditional instruments as the violin, kobza (lute), relya (hurdy-gurdy), buben (frame drum), and a bagpipe-like instrument called the volynka. Traditional instrumental ensembles are called troitsi muzyki (three musicians). Information on tours that will take you to places where you can see performances will be available in your Kiev hotel.
If you’re lucky, you will see a performance of the folk dance that westerners usually associate with Russia. This is the physically demanding dance called the hopac. Dancers must squat down low, kick their legs out in time with the rhythm of the music, and then jump up into the air. These strenuous movements were once a form of calisthenics used by Cossack soldiers in preparation for battle. The hopac and other traditional dances such as the kozak and shumka combined with influences from outside Ukraine, and eventually gave the world the polka – which at one time was a party favorite in the western world – and the graceful waltz.
Traditional Ukrainian folk singers perform solo or in groups at special events ranging from joyous festivals to wakes. Some of their singing styles go back to the Middle Ages. The rustic “sad love songs” of Ukraine are even older than those of Russia.
During the Stalinist period, the Soviets tried to purge Ukraine of its music. Singers, musicians and composers were rounded up and killed. Instruments such as the bandura were confiscated and destroyed. But the musical soul of Ukraine survived. It can still be heard in the cities and the countryside. Even though the music faces stiff competition from mass produced western music, artists such as Kostyantyn Chechenya and Vadyn Borysenko have been keeping it alive and well.
People who travel to Kiev to hear and study the traditional music should know that there is an alternative to expensive Kiev hotels. Affordable Kiev apartments are available through agencies.
Vlad KoganLooking to find the best deal on Kiev apartment, then visit www.kievapartmentrent.com to find the best advice on staying in Kiev apartment during your trip as well as taking advantage of the services of Kiev Apartment Rent you might require if you are looking forward to show up in Kiev for the EURO 2012.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/expert/Vlad_Kogan/716023
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