EVOLUTION OF WESTERN UKRAINIAN FOLK INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES IN THE 20TH – EARLY 21ST CENTURIES

Abstract

In the article the author traces the changes that have taken place with traditional instrumental ensembles of Western Ukraine during the 20th – beginning of the 21st centuries. Through this period the communicative capabilities of the environment increased rapidly, which significantly influenced the evolution of folk culture. The basis of the traditional ensembles of Western Ukrainian was the violin, to which was added, depending on the regions, a drum (tambourine), cymbals, bass, and a pipe instrument. Under the influence of various factors (interaction with representatives of other ethnographic regions or national minorities, writing culture, stage performances, remote communication, etc.), the instruments, repertoire, manner of performing, etc. in folk bands changed. During the 20th century the traditional instruments of ensembles were supplemented by others (clarinet, accordion, button accordion, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, etc.). Also, existing instruments were modified in some places (for example, the Hutsuls replaced small cymbals with large ones), or completely new ensembles were introduced to accompany traditional rituals or entertainments (brass bands or a variety of other popular ensembles). The repertoire of traditional ensembles is nowadays constantly replenished not only by the works of the local area in which musicians have an opportunity to perform, but also by the new-fangled samples of popular music. Under the influence of the written tradition, the manner of performing ensemble music is somewhat simplified. Currently, in most regions of Western Ukraine there is a setback and decline of the folk-instrumental ensemble tradition, with the exception of the Hutsul region (where young musicians still adopt this tradition orally) and partly Pokuttia, Zakarpattia, Podillia, Bukovyna, and Bessarabia, where for some occasions sometimes "live" music of traditional or somewhat modified instruments is invited).