Ukrainian Music
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Choir singing is extremely popular in Ukraine. When guests come to our homes, we often sit at the table and sing together.Nobody pays attention to the quality of the singing on these occasions; we just sing and enjoy being together. Everybody feels that they are part of a team and is accepted the way they are.
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".
I have included a small collection of music from Ukrainian performers throughout this page and at the bottom of the page for you to sample. You will need Windows Media Player installed on your computer to listen to the music. Enjoy!!!
Singing is not the only element of Ukrainian folk music. It includes an assortment of instrumental performances and ensemble playing. Some common instruments and combinations are, solo on the pipe (flute), violin, bandura, the traditional musical trios "troyista muzyka" and bandura ensembles. There are many unique musical instruments which are only common for Ukrainian performers. A more in-depth 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 aristocratic dignity, you will be able to hear his wonderful voice singing Ukrainian songs full of beauty, desperation and tragedy. Long after you leave Kiev you will have memories of the music he played and your experiences in Ukraine.
Beyond its distinctive folk music, Ukraine has also produced a large number of fine classical composers, musicians and all around great performers who have been preserving Ukrainian musical traditions. The National Ensemble of soloists, "Kyivska Kamerata" (I highly suggest listening to their music (MP-3) , is a leading Ukrainian performer of chamber music of varying styles and epochs.
A description of Ukrainian musical culture wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention the 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. Performance of P.Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble is the brightest sample of Ukrainian dance.
If you have listened to Ukrainian music before, but didn't didn't like it, there is likely only one reason. You did not hear authentic professional performers. Just because somebody is dressed "like a Ukrainian" and "sings" Ukrainian songs in an odious voice similar to a drunken cat, don't mistake that for authenticity. It is not Ukrainian music, but more of a mockery to Ukrainian music.
From the other side, there is a certain magic to live performance which even the best technology is not able to transfer. Perhaps it is the special energy and sensation of community during the performance. If you have a chance while you are in Ukraine, try to find an opportunity to listen to live Ukrainian music. The experience will be one of the highlights of your trip that you will talk about for the rest of your life.
Now that I have helped get you started on understanding Ukrainian music, here is a small gift for you. A short list of musical links for you to listen to and sample Ukrainian folk songs and music and also orchestras, acappellas and singers.
These are real treasures of Ukrainian music and culture. Enjoy!
RussianDvd.com collection allows you to listen to their music, once you click on "Preview" on their site. A "Switch to English/Russian" option is available at the top of the page.
- Ukrainian Folk Songs.
- 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
There are also numerous music festivals that occur Ukraine; "Chervona Ruta", "Tavrijski Igry", "Perlyny Sezonu" and "Chaika". These are a good opportunity for young musicians to demonstrate their works in front of the viewing public. Namely these festivals gave birth too many groups that are popular in Ukraine as well as in many more foreign countries. The most notable of these groups are "Ocean Elzy", "Tanok na Majdani Kongo", "Vopli Vidoplyasova", "Green Grey" and "Vij".
Popular young performers continue traditions of Ukrainian music by competing to win the Eurovision song contest. Ukraine's won its first and only Eurovision contest in 2004 with winner, Ruslana. She has become highly successful in the music industry as a singer, producer, dancer and composer. Ruslana's music is entirely unique and heavily influenced by Ukrainian ethnic styles. Her album,
Popular young performers continue traditions of Ukrainian music by competing to win the Eurovision song contest. Ukraine's won its first and only Eurovision contest in 2004 with winner, Ruslana. She has become highly successful in the music industry as a 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.
Since then Ukrainian artists have also earned second place in the contest on two occasions. In 2007, Verka Serduchka, placed second in Helsinki performing the song "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" . While in 2008 Ani Lorak's performance of "Shady Lady" earned her a second place finish in Belgrade.
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