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Albanian Music: A Cultural Fusion

The document discusses Albanian folk music, known as "muzik shqip". It notes that muzik shqip has been influenced by both neighboring Southeast European cultures and the Ottoman Empire during periods of military and cultural domination. Muzik shqip varies regionally within Albania and incorporates diverse rhythms. It is an integral part of Albanian celebrations and traditions like laments, lullabies, and epic poetry recitations. Notable musicians and genres have emerged from both northern and southern Albania as the art form has modernized with Western influences while striving to preserve cultural uniqueness.

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921 views2 pages

Albanian Music: A Cultural Fusion

The document discusses Albanian folk music, known as "muzik shqip". It notes that muzik shqip has been influenced by both neighboring Southeast European cultures and the Ottoman Empire during periods of military and cultural domination. Muzik shqip varies regionally within Albania and incorporates diverse rhythms. It is an integral part of Albanian celebrations and traditions like laments, lullabies, and epic poetry recitations. Notable musicians and genres have emerged from both northern and southern Albania as the art form has modernized with Western influences while striving to preserve cultural uniqueness.

Uploaded by

muzikshqip1
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The political turmoil in Albania has however

added to the popular music sense in Albania.

Muzik shqip is actually Albanian music containing


various influences. It is not similar allover Albania. For
example –The orthodox music of the Ghegs in the
north and the Tosks in the south are distinct from
each other. Music has changed in style and that is
pronounced from the modern music of the Tirana and
Shkoder. As early as the 1920’s a composer by the
name of Fan.S.Noli has reproduced pieces in Albanian
classical music.

Muzik shqip is the consequence of the contemporary


sense of music produced by the dominations Albania
has been subjugated to militarily as well as culturally.
It is a mix of Southeastern European and Turkish
influence. It is interesting that the Albanians
succeeded in upholding their cultural individuality
despite the long period of subjugation.

There are three divisions of muzik shqip. The Northern melody is rugged and the
tone aggressive whereas the southern one is calm ad encompassing. Obscure
rhythms are to be cited like 3/8, 5\8,and 10\8. The first Albanian music compilation
was done by Pjeter Dungu. Albanian folk vocals are a component of all festivities
and holidays. Lullabies and laments also constitute the muzik shqip and are sung by
women alone. Epic poetry called Rapsodi Kreshnike are sung and they are
accompanied by the Lahuta which is in reality a one string fiddle. The shepherd’s
music is musical. They make use of musical instruments that are home made. It is a
peculiar clarinet. The music of this clan is pensive. Muzik shqip is famous for the
funeral laments that start off with a chorus. Folk Love songs are also a Southern
Albanian tradition. The Tosks are famous for their ensembles like the violins and
clarinets. The city of Permet is the epitome of Musical conceptions of the south.
Outstanding musicians like Remzi Lela and Laver Bariu have to their credit a
dynasty of music.

Southern musical instruments the sedate kaba, is an ensemble of violin, accordion


and clarinet. The melody exuded from it is ancient and reviving as Kim Burton
depicts it. Albanian culture is marked by the mixture of feelings of passion with
constraint. A few notable musicians of Albania are – Altin Shira, Eli Fara, Flora
Gashi,Laver Bariu, Irini Qirjako and many others.

Popular and complex Albanian music owe their source to the center of korca and
Tirana. Both have been capitals of Albania. Kosovo is also a home for muzik shqip. It
has been broadcast far and wide by artists like Merita Halili and Myslim Leli.
Influence from Western Europe and the United States have led to the growth of
bands that play rock, and rap. Muzik shqip has not been researched wholly. It is an
antique treasure waiting to arrive at the world at large. A good composer of
Albanian classical music was Mart Gjoka who was popular for his composing of
several vocal and instrumental music. He made use of urban art songs and northern
highland folk tunes to compose. Cesk Zadeja was regarded as the father of Albanian
classical music. His composition diversified from symphonies to ballets. Later muzik
shqip concentrated on operas, ballets. A few musical instruments employed in
Albanian music are Klarineta, Tepsia, Zumarja, Surlja,etc.

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