E. Kamalova

Multisyllabic tunes by zakamsk kryashens: the features of modal and melodic forms of organization

The article attempted the consideration of specific ethnic multisyllabic tunes prevailing in the local tradition by Trans-Kama subgroup of Tatars-Kryashens. The subject of review is the melodic intonation system of the considered corpus of song samples. As the analysis showed, the modal and melodic organization of the multisyllabic tunes by Tatars-Kryashens is determined by the system of modal and melodic formulas, implementing the most common in the local traditions musical scale 2–3–2–2. The total number of modal and melodic formulas has 11 units. Their interaction within tune is determined by the combinatorial principle which is regulated by the plan of basic tones’ location, specific to the local tunes. The modal and melodic system within the tunes gains a bright, original reading, which is achieved due to two factors. The first one is associated with various types of large-scale matching conformably to modal and melodic formulas and syntactic structures. The most common local tradition is the type in which the half-lines melody consists of two to four stable melodic cells. This characteristic distinguishes Kryashen tunes in the context of other Volga region Tatars singing cultures. The second factor, determining an individual character of the melody, is associated with the various techniques of variant the patterns’ formulaic canvas transformations, which include gaps and repetitions of the melody’s basic tones, as well as the proper techniques of melodic variation within intra-syllabic cantus.

Key words

Tatars-Kryashens, multisyllabic tunes, combinatorial structures, modal and melodic formulas.

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