Cypriot Folk Singing: a Comparison of Methodology

• Main Author: Lazarou, Loucia
• Other Authors: Pecháček, Stanislav
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-276945

In my master thesis I studied how harmony, rhythm and forms can apply in music in Cyprus, comparing it also with the Bel canto popular style of singing. Some genres and rhythms can be also found in Europe, Arabia, Greece and Asia Minor, but there are somehow different having their own individuality. Firstly, (chapter 1) I spoke about the Geographical place of Cyprus, which was forever a temptation for war. The roots and the influences on Cypriot music was my next topic. (Subchapter 1.1, 1.2) Secondly, (chapter 2) I spoke about the Demotic song, and how music and personal experiences of the people came together. I moved through the characteristics, melody and rhythm. Furthermore, (chapter 3) I made a short chapter on the traditional instruments. The next chapter (No 4) is one of the most important chapters in the thesis. The scales of folk songs in Cyprus are mixed and difficult for some people to understand, because of their way of playing and the influences upon them. I continued with the detailed description of Cypriot folk songs in chapter 5, the genres, the forms and their history. It is very important for the teacher or the student to understand their origin, in order to sing the Cypriot folk songs. A short history about Bel canto and the main representatives of that style is introducing us to...