Folklore 'homonyms': Local specificities as an element of transformations of folk melodies from different areas in Kosovo and Metohia (following the trace of the song 'Carnation, my flower')

• Main Author: Mihajlović Verica R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Serbian Culture Priština, Leposavić 2017-01-01
• Series: Baština
• Subjects: folk tradition; folk culture; folklore localities; kosovo and metohia
• Online Access: https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0353-9008/2017/0353-90081743181M.pdf

The paper examines the specificity of the local melodic-rhythmic motives of particular areas in Kosovo and Metohia using the song 'Carnation, My Flower' as it has been recorded by different folk melodies collectors. A comparative analysis points not only to the variability of the melodic-rhythmic pattern on which it was sung, but at times also to the complete contraposition of the mentioned pattern, all depending on the place in which the song was sung, and possibly on the singer subject to improvisations. We cannot claim with certainty that there is the 'genuine' tune, the original melody which the lyrics of the song 'Carnation, My Flower' were written to, especially if we take into consideration the fact that each version was recorded in different areas of Kosovo and Metohia. The oldest recorded version of this song found in the works of Mokranjac provides some key elements noticed in other versions; however, it cannot be said that these are the characteristics of this song in particular, but they can be classified as melodic manners of songs from Kosovo and Metohia. Considering that the highest degree of changes is found in the chronologically youngest record of the song (Vasiljević), it can be assumed that through the oral transmission of the song during the period of more than half a century, different local elements have gradually entered the song while singing, and other influences have affected the gradual loss of the 'genuine' melodies of the folk tradition. Following the song 'Carnation, My Flower', we have come upon the distinction of certain local specificities and local manners of melodic movements of traditional songs. Each of these occurrences is a phenomenon that should be examined and which can help in the systematic study of the music of Kosovo and Metohia with a view to partially refuting a global consideration of traditional songs of the province as being uniform without regard to the locality. Each area, each place in Kosovo and Metohia has its specific, unique elements not only in music but in all aspects of folk tradition and culture, therefore, the study of these elements must be performed with definiteness of location.