preservation and popularization of kobzar traditions
Join us in honoring the legacy of the Kobzars, their timeless music and the unparalleled power of their stories.
preservation and popularization of kobzar traditions
Join us in honoring the legacy of the Kobzars, their timeless music and the unparalleled power of their stories.
Kobzar tradition and modernity
The project utilizes innovative cross-sectoral approaches and digital technologies to record and preserve the epic musical and verbal kobzar tradition. A unique aspect of the project is its inclusivity and accessibility for all users, particularly those with visual impairments, through audio descriptions and descriptive video services.
100+
Audio recordings
6
Films
3
Lectures
3
Guilds
Guilds
Kobzar guilds are associations of people who not only preserve the epic tradition but also pass it on to new generations. You can easily find plenty of information about kobzar guilds, their activities, participants, and more. In these guilds, members learn to play instruments, craft them by hand, and adhere to their own rules and values.
Instruments
Kobza – A lute-like instrument with a symmetrical shape, six long strings on the neck, and six shorter strings (prystrunky) on the body. The melody that accompanies the singing is played primarily on the long strings, by pressing them on the neck. The shorter strings (prystrunky) are not pressed. By playing the kobza, it is possible to use several tonalities simultaneously.
Bandura – A harp-like instrument with 4-5 strings on the neck and 14-16 prystrunky on the body that are not pressed. It is a diatonic instrument that is tuned according to the bandurist’s voice.
Lira – A key-operated bowed instrument, where the role of the bow is played by a wheel. In Ukraine, the lira resembles a violin and has three strings: the middle “singing” string and two side strings—“bass” and “subbass.” It is tuned based on the singer’s voice.
Inclusivity
We strive for every person, regardless of their physical capabilities, to have access to Kobzar (elder) works. Making project materials accessible to people with visual impairments is an important step towards creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to access cultural resources