The function of the zurla players in the Pelivan wrestling in some parts of the Republic of Macedonia

Angelov, Goranco (2016) The function of the zurla players in the Pelivan wrestling in some parts of the Republic of Macedonia. In: Fourt symposium of the ICTM study group for music and dance in Southeastern Europe, Music and Dance in Southeastern Europe: New scopes of research and action, 24 Sept–1 Oct 2016, Belgrade-Petnica, Serbia.

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G. Angelov The function of the zurla players in the Pelivan wrestling in some parts of the Republic of MacedoniaICTM Belgrade.pdf

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Abstract

The zurla, as a musical instrument with specific and impressive sound intensity and timbre, is also recognizable as part of some old traditional events still performed in a preserved and unchanged way. The subject of this presentation is the role and the function of the zurla as accompanying instrument of the Pelivan fights, which are still performed in traditional manner in some parts of the Republic of Macedonia. The Pelivan fights are a very old ritual sport and chevalier competition between two prominent wrestlers in which the winner is rewarded with special gifts. In Macedonia, the Pelivan fights are part of the Ottoman legacy, which explains the fact that in the past the participants in the games were only from the Turkish population. Today, the fights are open for participants in good physical form from all ethnic groups that live in the Republic of Macedonia. Although in the past it was a special event, today the Pelivan fights can be performed in honor of some other event such as a wedding, sunet (male circumcision) or some religious holidays. These fights are almost always performed at specially prepared places. This presentation will focus on the musical accompaniment of the games which over the centuries has remained the same. The two zurla and one or two tapan have a much deeper role than just accompanying instruments; it is their music that has a deep function and connection with the ritual itself. Considering that the main bearers of the zurla and tapan playing tradition are Roma musicians, the research is focused only on their role, interpretation and tradition which is inherited and passed for centuries into family. The oral transmission of the zurla music from older to younger players is still very vivid and authentic, and as such represents a perfect way of preserving the function of the specific musical melodies played during the entire Pelivan ritual. The ritual movements during the wrestling are accompanied with a specific zurla melody which follows the game and mark its peak with special sound culmination. This synchronization is achieved through deep mutual communication between the Zurla players and the Pelivan wrestlers.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: Humanities > Art (arts, history of arts, performing arts, music)
Divisions: Faculty of Music Art
Depositing User: Goranco Angelov
Date Deposited: 05 Feb 2021 10:01
Last Modified: 05 Feb 2021 10:01
URI: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/27580

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