17 July 2023, 15:32

Titans of Musical Heritage: Top 5 Unique Ukrainian Instruments

History

Art

Musical instruments

Ukranian national musical instrument

We all know that Ukraine is famous for its diverse cultural heritage, including a rich musical one. Popularization and promotion of Ukrainian instruments helps to preserve national identity for future generations. Let's look at the most interesting of them.

Kobza: melancholy and romance of Ukrainian folklore

Kobza , a really unique Ukrainianstringed instrument with a short neck and 6-8 strings. Its sound is characterized by melancholy and romance, making it ideal for lyrical songs and ballads. The kobza can be found in a variety of forms, from the classic kobza with simple construction to more complex variations with additional strings and resonators.

The Ukrainian kobza is closely connected with the culture and history of Ukraine. It is an integral attribute of the Cossack Mamai, the character of the Nativity scene - a traditional Ukrainian theatrical performance. However, in the 18th century it was gradually replaced by a more advanced bandura.

In his descriptions of his stay in Rus' in 1656-1657, K. Hildebrandt, a member of the Swedish delegation who visited Ukraine, mentions Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky, who played the "lute" in an informal setting. This indicates that musical instruments similar to the kobza were widespread and popular among Ukrainians.

Shevchenko with a kobza near the Dnieper - Kostyantyn Trutovskyhttps://jyvopys.com

The famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko in his work immortalized the image of a kobzar - a folk storyteller who accompanies his songs-thoughts by playing the kobza. He glorified them and inscribed them in national literature, conveying their importance and historical significance.

The rapid development and changes in the musical field led to the fact that the kobza was replaced by a more advanced bandura in the 18th century. Although the names "kobza" and "bandura" are sometimes used interchangeably, their construction and sound are different. Kobza has its own uniqueness and a unique place in the Ukrainian musical culture.

Bandura: the magic of sounds and the symbol of the Ukrainian spirit

Ukrainian bandura player Taras Kompanichenko.https://ukrainer.net

Bandura , perhaps the most famous and recognizable Ukrainian instrument. This stringed plucked instrument has a triangle shape and 55-60 strings. The bandura allows the player to create complex harmonies and bass lines, thanks to various octaves and string lengths. Its sound is able to take the listener to the depths of the Ukrainian soul. The bandura is not only a musical instrument, but also a symbol of the national identity of the Ukrainian people.

Kobzari or bandura players Kravchenko and Dremchenko.wikipedia

Blind bandura players who historically lived and worked in a rural environment were popular. These musicians received training from masters or pan-fathers and were called kobzars. They passed on their skills and musical traditions from generation to generation. However, in the second half of the 20th century, the feminization of the bandura took place, when more and more women began to show interest in this instrument and began to study and perform it.

Bugai: powerful sound and musical power

https://topzvuk.com

The bugai is a large, unusual instrument that serves to create a deep and powerful sound. The bull is a wooden cylinder, the upper opening of which is covered with skin. A tuft of horse hair is attached to the skin in the center.

Ukrainian master Andriy Lopushinsky makes an unusual instrument right in his village.https://ukrainer.net

Bugai has a wide sound range and is used to accompany songs, dances and folk festivals. This instrument is often associated with the Ukrainian Cossacks and their rich history. Bugay is able to create powerful and emotional sounds that fill the space with the energy and passion of Ukrainian music.

Cymbals: grace and virtuosity in sounds

Cymbals , a practical percussion instrument , consisting of a series of metal plates stretched over a wooden frame. Special sticks are used for playing on the plates.

Cymbals have a rich history and are widely used in Ukrainian folklore. They are distinguished by grace and virtuosity in performance, creating melodic and captivating sounds. Cymbals are actively used in Ukrainian folk orchestras and folk ensembles, adding a special magic to music and rhythms.

Trembita: the voice of the Carpathian Mountains

https://24tv.ua

Trembita is a woodwind instrument that is widespread in the mountainous regions of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathians. This powerful instrument can produce sounds that can be heard for tens of kilometers.

Trembita has an impressive size and length, usually reaching 2-3 meters. It is made of wood and decorated with national ornaments.