Привіт! Hello!
I'm back from a much-needed break from blogging after the intense effort it took to accomplish 30 Days of Ukrainian Poetry back in August. Now that it's winter and there are lots of snowy days to enjoy from the comfort of my apartment, it's a perfect time to get back to writing.
One of my favorite things about Peace Corps service has been getting to know Ukrainian music. Last year I put together my first Musical Postcard from Ukraine, and ever since then the idea for a second edition has been brewing in my head. Without further ado, here is a wintertime sampling of Ukrainian music.
Щедрик - Shchedryk. Traditional - performed by Tina Karol
It has been snowing all day, the city just put up their lights and started raising the giant Christmas tree in the main plaza - so of course we'll start with a holiday song. Most of my American friends know Carol of the Bells, but I bet not as many are aware of the fact that the song is actually an old Ukrainian one traditionally sung for the New Year. The lyrics are different in the Ukrainian version, but the festive spirit is common to both!
Човен - Boat. Один в Каное.
In the time that has passed since my last music blog, I've become quite a fan of Один в Каное (Odyn v Kanoe - One in a Canoe). This song, "Choven", uses text from a poem by Ivan Franko (remember him from 30 Days of Ukrainian Poetry?) It begins with a boat floating aimlessly at sea, being tossed about and bemoaning the fact that it doesn't recall where it is from or where it was going. The waves whisper to it, "Who are you, boat? What are you looking for? Where have you come from?"
Світанок - Dawn. Onuka.
I wanted to work in a piece from Onuka last time and didn't manage. Her music is fascinating - avante-garde with elements of traditional Ukrainian music as well. She's edgy, uses striking and sometimes unusual imagery, and also has used her music as a venue for commentary on social issues.
This song, Dawn, evokes the image of a family holding out in their home until spring comes, waiting on one who is away at war. "We will live through it, don't worry. We've got everything, but somebody is not here."
Старі Фотографії - Old Photographs. Скрябін.
We're jumping genres and traveling back in time a bit for the next song - a classic that I occasionally hear blared at karaoke and dinner parties. The band Skryabin was born the same year I was - 1989, and has spanned several genres. The lead singer, Andriy Kuzmenko, passed away in 2015. This song, "Old Photographs", is one I'll have to put on next time my old friends and I bust out our high school yearbooks or laugh about the things we did together 10 years ago. As the chorus goes, "Set old photographs out on the table, tell funny childhood stories. Don't forget your true friends - give them a call."
Відчиняй - Open the Doors. Alyona Alyona.
"You - light up and burn! Light up and burn! My generation awaits our breakthrough!". You'll hear the phrase нове покоління (nove pokolinnya - new generation) many times in this song. Alyona Alyona is a fierce young rap artist who - get this - was working at a kindergarten before breaking into the music scene. I love the video, because it reflects almost exactly what my day-to-day surroundings are like here in Ukraine.
Пісня Буде Поміж Нас - This Song Will Be Between Us. КораЛЛі
Final song of this musical postcard, and it's time to rock out! I learned about KoraLLi when I saw them live at rock festival in the woods. They hail from the mountains of Western Ukraine, and feature a number of traditional Hutsul instruments in their work. They were an absolute blast to see live! This song is on the classic theme of a man who must leave his love for some time. It is early winter, and he must go - but come spring, he will return to take his love's hands in his once again. "Don't hide the blue gleam of your eyes; sing to me one last time. I'll take that song in my memory, this song will be between us." Sounds sentimental, but it feels like a rock-out party song.
As always - a disclaimer that what is expressed in my blog is my own personal opinion and experience, and does not reflect the views of the Peace Corps or of the US or Ukrainian governments.
