Kalvarija region singing tradition in Brukai village
Songs of the Kalvarija region, distinguished by an array of musical, rhythmic, poetic and expressive means, reveal the uniqueness of the musical dialect of the Region of Suvalkija (Sūduva). The voices of the 19th century presenters of the old tradition of ceremonial singing are documented in recordings made in the interwar period, while the repertoire that has reached the present day is being nurtured by the women of the villages of Brukai and Sūsninkai. Brukai based folklore ensemble Bruknyčia, origins of which date back to 1976, safeguards and practices the singing tradition of the Kalvarija region. The folklore groups from the municipalities of Kalvarija and Marijampolė have learnt the tradition directly from the presenters, publications and recordings.
Although the old style of singing is fading into oblivion with the passing away of the presenters, the monophonic songs, deriving from ancient modes, the polyphonic songs of literary origin and romances, all of which were once widely sung in almost all the villages of the Kalvarija region, are still being sung today. The vitality of the singing tradition stems from the desire of the members of the Bruknyčia ensemble to safeguard what they have inherited from their parents, as well as their fondness for singing, telling stories and sharing their experience with the younger members of the group. Not only the repertoire is passed on, but also the characteristics of its performance – moderate rendering of ceremonial songs, modest expression of emotions, improvisations, melodiousness of speaking regional dialect, and the distinctive articulation of the prolonged vowels. When women sing in unison or with backing, they mesmerise the audience by sensitive listening to each other, a unique sense of musical thought and form.
At village community meetings, family celebrations, cultural, tourism and educational events, other villagers join the folklore group for a shared song – song brings joy, connects different generations, evokes a sense of community and encourages cooperation, and strengthens the sense of common roots.
Submission by Kalvarija Municipality Cultural Centre, 2022
Tradition bearers – Communities of Brukai and Sūsninkai villages, folklore ensemble Bruknyčia