Transformation of Local Repertoire of Traditional Instrumental Ensembles of Western Podillia

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyse the local repertoire of traditional instrumental ensembles of Western Podillia, examined at both the genre and musical-stylistic levels. The research methodology involves the application of historical-cultural and diachronic-synchronic approaches, which enabled the exploration of the transformation of the local repertoire of traditional instrumental ensembles in Western Podillia within the context of external and internal sociocultural influences. Scientific novelty. The study focuses on the local repertoire performed by traditional instrumental ensembles of Western Podillia during wedding rituals from the 1920s to the 2020s. Special attention is given to the characteristic dance melodies performed by local traditional instrumental ensembles. The research provides an ethnomusicological characterisation of these local dance melodies, analysing their structural composition and rhythmic-intonational features. Conclusions. It was found that the repertoire of traditional instrumental ensembles of Western Podillia from the 1920s to the 1960s was primarily based on local dance melodies. The repertoire was initiated by marches, which were largely rooted in the melodies of Cossack and Riflemen’s songs. During weddings, melodies for Cossack and Hopak dances were most frequently performed. These melodies formed a group of fast-paced dances and were central to wedding festivities. Meanwhile, the melodies for the Kolomyika and Arkan dances typically concluded the wedding ceremonial performance.