The Pajduško-Family

Folklore dancers know this: there is a ‘Paidushka’ – or is it perhaps called ‘Paidushko’? – in different countries with similar-sounding dance names, similar steps and melodies. On top of that, one (Bulgarian, Macedonian) pajduško melody appears in a rhythmically altered form (and under a ‘pseudonym’!) in a neighbouring country. How can we understand this? Let’s do a little research … Weiterlesen „The Pajduško-Family“

Die Pajduško-Familie

Folkloretänzerinnen (und -tänzer!) kennen das: Da gibt es eine „Paiduschka“ – oder heißt die vielleicht „Paiduschko“? – in verschiedenen Ländern mit ähnlich klingenden Tanznamen, ähnlichen Schritten und Melodien. Obendrein taucht die eine (bulgarische, makedonische) Pajduškomelodie in rhythmisch veränderter Gestalt (und unter „Pseudonym“!) im Nachbarland auf. Wie sollen wir das verstehen? Weiterlesen „Die Pajduško-Familie“

Two Fourths

„Bulgarian“ equals „odd“, doesn’t it?

Much has been written about the odd bars in Bulgarian folk music inside and outside the specialist literature, much more than about the even ones; see examples below. The focus on these measures is quite comprehensible, but misleading. It draws a picture of the rhythms in which the 2/4 and 4/4 measures are missing (1) and only the odds deserve interest. Weiterlesen „Two Fourths“