Ukrainian Music
is quiet, very melodic, and easily recognizable by its
somewhat melancholy tone. You can listen to music right now.

Ukrainian music has always been an important part of the cultural life of our country. Music, like poetry, is the Ukrainians' blood and soul. The songs tell about our history, glorify our national heroes. They also describe the landscape, talk about rules of social life, the ethics, and the people's qualities.

Choir singing is extremely popular in Ukraine. When guests come to our house, we often sitting at the table sing songs.

Nobody pays attention to the quality of singing. We just sing and enjoy being together. Everybody feels that he is a part of team and is accepted the way he is.

The German writer Frederick Bodenschtedt wrote: "In no other country, does the soul of a nation become so vibrant and authentic in its songs, as in Ukraine."

Besides the songs Ukrainian folk musical art includes various forms of instrumental performances and ensemble playing: solo on the pipe (flute), violin, bandura, the traditional musical trios "troyista muzyka", bandura ensembles. There are many unique musical instruments which are typical only for Ukrainian performers. Good description can be found at Victor Mishalov's site "Folk Instruments of Ukraine"

If you are going to visit St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, there is a big chance for you to meet this handsome bandurist in the yard. Sitting there or somewhere around the area he plays his bandura with some aristocratic dignity. I am sure, you will hear his sound voice singing Ukrainian songs full of beauty, desperation and tragedy long time after you leave him.

Ukraine has produced a large number of fine classical composers, musicians, and great performers who have been preserving Ukrainian musical traditions. The National Ensemble of soloists "Kyivska Kamerata" (listen to their music) is a leading Ukrainian performer of chamber music of different styles and epochs.

Description of Ukrainian musical culture and music wouldn't be complete if we don't mention a phenomenon of Ukrainian dance. The roots of Ukrainian dance originated from ritual pagan rites. Energetic, boisterous and, exhausting, Ukrainian dance is easily recognizable and impressive. Video and foto of Ukrainian dancers can be found at P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble. site.

If you listened to Ukrainian music before and didn't like it, the reason is the only one. You have never heard high professional performers. If somebody is dressed "like Ukrainian" and in an odious voice similar to a drunk cat "sings" Ukrainian songs, don't believe them. It is not Ukrainian music. It is simple mockery to Ukrainian music.

From the other side, there is some magic in alive performance which even an excellent record is not able to transfer. Perhaps, it is special energetics and sensation of community during the performance. If you have a chance while you are in Ukraine, try to find opportunity to listen to alive Ukrainian music.

Here is a small gift for you - a short list of musical links (you can listen to any of them): Ukrainian folk songs, Ukrainian folk music, orchestras, cappellas, and singers.

They are real treasures of Ukrainian music and culture. Enjoy!

• Ukrainian Folk Songs. RussianDvd.com collection allows you to listen to their music, once you click on "Preview" on their site. "Switch to English/Russian" option is available at the top of the page.

• Kyiv Chamber Choir.Ukrainian Easter.

• Ukraine National Orchestra of Folk Instruments

• Choir of Spiritual Music "Vidrodgenya"

• Dmitro Gnatyuk. (1925)

• Ivan Kozlovsky (1900-1993)

• Anatoly Soloviyanenko. (1932 - 1999).

• Nina Matvienko.

Popular young performers continue traditions of Ukrainian music. This year's Ukrainian "EuroVision" winner, Ruslana, is a highly successful singer, producer, dancer and composer. Ruslana's music is entirely unique and heavily influenced by Ukrainian ethnic styles. Her album, "The Wild Dances" was the first ever to go Platinum in Ukraine.

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