Oirat-Kalmyk Folk Songs: a History of Recording, Investigating and Publishing in Russia and Europe

Abstract

Introduction. Oirats of China, Mongolia and Kalmyks of Russia live in three different countries — but share common ethnic ancestry. Oirats of China primarily reside in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Hara-Muren (Amur River valley). In Mongolia, Oirats traditionally inhabit western provinces, such as Uvs, Khovd, Bayan-Ölgii, Zavkhan, and Khӧvsgӧl. In Russia, Kalmyks live in the Republic of Kalmykia and Astrakhan Oblast. Some minor Oirat and Kalmyk groups reside in Kyrgyzstan, Europe, and America. Despite being separated by historical eras, state borders and differing cultural-economic conditions, Oirats and Kalmyks still preserve the common vivid tradition of oral poetry largely represented by folk songs. In Russia and Europe, the earliest recordings of Oirat and Kalmyk folk songs were made 260 years ago. Those divide into lingering and short ones: the former serve to celebrate remarkable events, such as rituals, festivities and holidays; the former are usually sung by young people during regular household activities. Goals. The paper seeks to review the history of recording, investigating and publishing Oirat and Kalmyk folk songs. Results. The article analyzes folk songs of Oirats and Kalmyks, setting forth a coherent historical paradigm of theirs in Russia and European countries throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Keywords

• oirats
• kalmyks
• folk songs
• song genres
• history of recording
• publication