Bandura (musical instrument)
The bandura is a traditional Ukrainian folk instrument that holds significant cultural and historical importance in Ukraine. Characterized by its hollow wooden body and a varying number of strings—ranging from twenty to as many as sixty-eight—it is a versatile string instrument that combines elements of both the lute and the harp. As the national musical instrument of Ukraine, the bandura is frequently linked to the country's rich heritage and the legacy of wandering bards known as Kobzari, who performed epic poetry and songs throughout history.
Constructed to enhance its resonant sound, the bandura features treble strings that are plucked over the body, while bass strings extend along the neck for tonal variation. Throughout its history, the instrument has been a symbol of Ukrainian nationalism, especially during periods of oppression, such as the Soviet occupation when many Kobzari were persecuted. Despite these challenges, the art of playing the bandura has persevered, making it a treasured emblem of resilience and cultural identity.
In contemporary times, the bandura has regained prominence as a symbol of protest and unity, particularly in response to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Organizations dedicated to preserving this unique musical tradition continue to promote its significance, both within Ukraine and on the international stage, showcasing the bandura as a powerful voice for Ukrainian culture and resistance.
Subject Terms
Bandura (musical instrument)
The bandura is a Ukrainian folk instrument. It has a hollow wooden body and may have up to sixty-eight strings. The bandura is the national musical instrument of Ukraine and is often referenced throughout Ukrainian history. This string instrument combines many of the features of the lute and the harp, creating an incredibly versatile concert instrument. It is a member of the psaltery family of instrument with plucked strings stretched across flat soundboards.
Construction of a Bandura
The bandura is a small stringed instrument played primarily in Ukraine by folk musicians. It features a hollow wooden body and an extremely versatile number of strings. Classical, historic banduras may have as few as twenty strings, while modern-style Kyiv banduras boast fifty-five to sixty-four strings. The rare Kharkiv bandura has thirty-four to sixty-five strings.
The treble strings are stretched over a hollow, wooden body, which serves as a resonating chamber for the vibrations created when the strings are plucked. The bass strings extend over the body and up the length of the neck, upon which the strings are pressed to change their tone.
On classical banduras, the strings are attached to wooden tuning pegs, much like a guitar. Rotating these pegs changes how tightly the strings are wound, which changes the note and allows for various tunings. Later-model banduras are strung more like a piano. Some even feature a lever-action mechanism that quickly changes the tuning of the instrument, allowing for sudden key changes.
History of the Bandura
The bandura is considered an integral part of Ukraine's history. It has become a symbol of Ukraine's sense of nationalism. Banduras were first played by wandering bards called Kobzari. They went from town to town, playing songs and singing styles of epic poetry unique to the Eastern European nation. Over time, these bands of bards formed guilds to teach the craft to younger generations. Because eyesight is not needed to play the bandura, Kobzari guilds slowly became a refuge for the blind. Eventually, only those who were blind were accepted into a Kobzari guild.
When the Soviet Union occupied Ukraine, it attempted to stamp out the national identity of its people. One step in this process included eliminating Ukraine's culture. In 1935, the Soviet Union gathered many Kobzari together in one building. Officials said they wanted to record the Kobzari's ballads and songs for future generations. Instead, the Soviets executed every Kobzar in attendance. Afterward, the Soviets relentlessly pursued and persecuted every Kobzar and bandurist they could find. Despite this, the art survived. However, the skills to play and construct a bandura became rare and valuable. For this reason, any banduras that survived the Soviet occupation are extremely valuable. The instrument is still played in Ukraine and has been kept alive by organizations such as the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. With the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the bandura, called the “voice of Ukraine,” once again became a national symbol of resistance against oppression. Ukrainian bandura players toured internationally to raise awareness about the war and Ukrainian culture. For Ukrainians, the bandura was also a symbol of survival.
Bibliography
Faryna, Oksana. "Traditional Bandura Plays More than Folk Melodies." Kyiv Post, 3 June 2024, www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/traditional-bandura-plays-more-than-folk-melodies-115088.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
“Our Instrument.” Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, www.bandura.org/instruments. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
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Sholes, DeLene. “The Kobzari.” Faces, vol. 18, no. 7, Mar. 2002, p. 38. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=6351443&site=ehost-live. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Womack, Catherine. “Ukrainian Soldier-musicians Bring a Message of Resistance to L.A.” Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2024, www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-11-11/ukrainian-musicians-cultural-forces-concert-tour. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.