THE LANGUAGE OF IMPROVISATION IN THE DOINA AND THE BALLAD

Abstract

In the folklore culture, improvisation can be found within works belonging to three distinct branches, which also are in syncretic relation: the literary, musical, and choreographic branches. The doina and the ballad combine, in different ways, both poetic and the musical improvisation. The genres represented by the doina and the ballad – lyrical and epic, determine the structural and interpretative essence of both species. The poetic content is a defining element for the ballad, because between the melody and the poetic content, the latter defines the genre of the work – the epic genre. On the contrary, in the doina, the melody is in the forefront. In terms of content, however, both species can approach the same subjects. From a musical aspect, both the doina and the ballad are focused on free improvisation, based on the combination of some established traditional musical elements. This often leads to confusion in the interpretation of the given works.

Keywords

• folklore
• improvisation
• doina
• ballad
• verse
• song
• structure
• interpretation