Vocal Interpretation as a Model of Musical Communication: Comparative Analysis of Ukrainian and Arabic Song Traditions

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyse vocal interpretation as a model of musical communication, using the Ukrainian song “Nich Yaka Misyachna” and the Arabic song “Lamma Bada Yatathanna” as case studies, and to identify the common and distinct mechanisms of meaning-making within different musical traditions. The research methodology is based on a combination of musicological, interpretative, and comparative approaches. Methods of structural-functional analysis of musical text, comparative analysis of Ukrainian and Arabic vocal traditions, as well as elements of the hermeneutic approach, were employed, allowing the musical work to be viewed as an open system of meanings that are actualised in performance practice. Additionally, a cultural-stylistic analysis was applied to identify the specific features of musical language, modal systems and performance practices. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive comparison of Ukrainian and Arabic song traditions specifically from the perspective of vocal interpretation as a model of musical communication. The study reveals the mechanisms of interaction between universal interpretative principles and culturally conditioned performance practices, and clarifies the role of the performer as an active mediator in the process of meaning-making. Particular attention is paid to the intercultural aspect of musical interpretation, which allows vocal works to be viewed as open systems of dialogue between different traditions. The conclusions establish that both works share common features – a lyrical, romantic focus, a predominance of intimate emotion, and vocal expressiveness. At the same time, differences were identified in musical language, modal systems and performance techniques: the Ukrainian song draws on the European harmonic tradition with cantilenic melody, whilst the Arabic song draws on the maqam modal system with ornamentation and improvisation. It is demonstrated that interpretation is a key mechanism of communication, ensuring variability of meaning, whilst music emerges as a space for intercultural dialogue through performative interaction.