Making Connections: Appalachian Hammered Dulcimer and Ukrainian Tsymbaly
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Appalachian hammered dulcimer and the Ukrainian tsymbaly are both reconstructed versions of the German hackbrett. After its initial arrival in the United States in the early 1700s, the dulcimer experienced a decline until Anglo-Celtic immigrants began making the trek over the Appalachian Mountains. Due to its portability and ease of construction, these people resurrected the instrument in order to continue their musical traditions within the isolated hills. Additionally, Ukrainian immigrants initially continued their tsymbaly tradition upon their arrival in the Appalachain Mountains. For my presentation I will share the similarities between the tsymbaly and the Appalachian hammered dulcimer and demonstrate, through performance and presentation, how playing styles from both instruments were altered in America to reflect local lifestyles and environment. My demonstration and performance will be an extension of the presentation proposal from the Gabor WV Folklife Center (Dr. Judy Byers and Mr. Noel Tenney) in its commitment to analyze, preserve, and perpetuate the root heritage of the Eastern Europeans, especially in West Virginia.
Making Connections: Appalachian Hammered Dulcimer and Ukrainian Tsymbaly
The Appalachian hammered dulcimer and the Ukrainian tsymbaly are both reconstructed versions of the German hackbrett. After its initial arrival in the United States in the early 1700s, the dulcimer experienced a decline until Anglo-Celtic immigrants began making the trek over the Appalachian Mountains. Due to its portability and ease of construction, these people resurrected the instrument in order to continue their musical traditions within the isolated hills. Additionally, Ukrainian immigrants initially continued their tsymbaly tradition upon their arrival in the Appalachain Mountains. For my presentation I will share the similarities between the tsymbaly and the Appalachian hammered dulcimer and demonstrate, through performance and presentation, how playing styles from both instruments were altered in America to reflect local lifestyles and environment. My demonstration and performance will be an extension of the presentation proposal from the Gabor WV Folklife Center (Dr. Judy Byers and Mr. Noel Tenney) in its commitment to analyze, preserve, and perpetuate the root heritage of the Eastern Europeans, especially in West Virginia.
