If you listen to the traditional music of
Macedonia, you’ll probably find it similar to its neighbors. They share a lot
of history, so it makes sense that their music will have similarities as well.
However, there are certain marks of distinction in Macedonian music that sets
it apart from the others.
Like other countries with a strong musical
background, there are a number of different types of folk songs. The songs are
either urban or rural and include epic songs, labor songs, ritual songs, and
there are many songs for dances as well. Chalgija is one type of urban music
style that is dependent on percussion.
As a music major, I enjoy the complexities of other
culture’s music and how it’s constructed. I like to think of it as a look into
how a society thinks. If this is true, then the Macedonians are very complex
thinkers. In fact, I read that one folk song utilizes a 22/16 time signature (like in the song above).
That’s insane! I’m positive they could simplify this down. But, as it stands,
they do break it down into two phrases of 11: 2+2+3+2+2 and 3+2+2+2+2. Wouldn’t
it have been tons easier to think of this as a fast 5/4 with a triplet here and
there? Yes, I know there’s a difference, but that’s what I would end up hearing
anyway. I’m going to write a song using 5/4 that mimics this. Just because.
A number of instruments heard in Macedonian music
are the same throughout the Balkan region. Traditional music uses the kaval
(type of flute), zurla (large double-reed horn), kemane (three-stringed
fiddle), harmonica (accordion), tapan (type of cylindrical drum), tambura
(long-necked lute), and the shupelka (a type of smaller flute). Folk orchestras
incorporate several traditional instruments along with the addition of
clarinets and saxophones, synthesizers, and drum machines.
There are several types of dance that are popular
in Macedonia; however, only a few are widely known. Folk dance is known as Oro,
and one type of oro is called kopachka. This particular dance originates from a
village in the region of Pijanec. It’s primarily performed by men; they form a
half circle and dance while holding their belts with their left hand over their
right. It’s generally a fast, energetic dance with a lot of jumps. The village
introduced the dance to Tanec, a national group who performs folklore dances.
The name of the dance was changed to kopachka, and the dance became so popular
that the town changed its name to reflect the dance. At least it’s better than the
city of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
Classical music is also very important in
Macedonia. Known for their choral traditions, two of their most well-known
composers are Todor Skalovski and Trajko Prokopiev. The Mokranjac School of
Music was built in 1934, and the period after WWII saw immense growth in
support for classical music. Operas and ballets written by Macedonian composers
began to debut on stages across the country during the post-war time.
When it comes to pop music, Macedonian musicians
pretty much span the gamut. I came across several artists who sang in a modern
traditional style and sometimes mixed it with different genres. Karolina
Goceva’s music mixed elements of jazz into some of her music. Other artists
such as Kaliopi, Rebeka, Tose Proeski, and Elena Risteska fell strongly in the
pop category. Most pop music was sung in Macedonian but some of it was sung in
English as well.
Rock does very well in Macedonia. And more
specifically: punk rock, one of my favorite genres. And if you really want to
get specific, I’m a super huge fan of ska, and to my fortune, Macedonia has a
ska band called SuperHiks (which would be a strange name in the US, tongue in
cheek to say the least). They’re pretty good; I like them. And apparently
they’ve been around for more than 20 years. Another punk band I came across is
Noviot Pochetok, which is what I call “skateboard” punk. Their style kind of
reminds me NOFX to a degree. I could totally listen to them in the car with the
windows down.
Indie rock bands are also represented here as well.
Bernays Propaganda has a female lead singer and kind of leans toward a
post-modern sound. Xaxaxa is another band I’d put in this category. I think
they sound like The Smiths or The Cure at times, but with a punk background.
Of course, there are metal bands. One I found was
called Chromatic Point. I think they mix in elements of folk and classical,
which is probably why I like it.
Hip-hop seems to be well-represented in Macedonia
as well. One artist I found (who actually seems more like R&B and dance) is
Elvir Mekic. My daughter was dancing to his music last night. I do have to
admit, it’s pretty catchy. The song above also feature rapper Vrcek. I also came across an Australian rap group called
Curse ov Dialect. They have a Macedonian member who calls himself Volk
Makedonski. They mix ethnic and avant guard music with hip-hop. I kind of like
it; I like when people aren’t afraid to try something different. Sometimes it
works, sometimes it doesn’t; but in this case, it seems to be working.
I also found this jazz album called Bottling Jazzy that features
vibraphonist Zoran Madzirov. I actually really like it. So, after YouTubing videos for Zoran, he is actually
using bottles in these songs. I think this album would make
for some great acid jazz. This is great stuff.
Up next: the food
