DOI: 10.36871 / hon.202101021

Authors

D. V. Volkov
Gnesins Russian Academy of Music, Russian Federation, Moscow

Abstract

The article is devoted to the traditions of gusli playing in the Russian countryside, primarily in the Pskov-Novgorod region. Based on the field research by F. V. Sokolova, E. V. Gippius, N. L. Kotikova, Z. V. Ewald, the author examines the textural, rhythmical and genre diversity of gusli playing. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of different forms of performance: solo and ensemble playing, accompaniment and singing with own accompaniment on gusli. The main conclusion of the study: the opinion about the extreme primitiveness of the peasant tradition of gusli playing, which is often referred to the works on folk music of the XVIIIth — XIXth centuries, does not correspond to reality. Everyday music playing on gusli appears to be a very flexible and universal phenomenon.

Keywords

gusli, traditions, gusli playing, village music, guslars, folklore, originality