The Musical repertoire of the Lipovan Russians of Sarichioi – A Form of Preservation and Perpetuation of Ethnic Identity

Abstract

The present study aims to highlight aspects related to the preservation and perpetuation of the musical repertoire of the Lipovan Russians of Sarichioi commune. This ethnic group which constitutes a majority in the above-mentioned geographic area has conducted its existence according to immutable norms capable of ensuring the endurance of its identity in an alien environment. During my field research in Sarichioi commune, I noticed that the collective memory of the community retained a substantial musical repertoire, one that comprises both pieces from the native regions of the Lipovan Russians and pieces from their foster-land. The relatively closed nature of the Lipovan Russian community in Sarichioi commune has protected its musical repertoire from the danger of contamination or exposure to influences specific to the oral cultures of the Dobrogea region. I have, however, noted a disturbance which threatens to push this repertoire into the passive memory of this ethnic group or can bring about the disappearance of certain traditional musical categories in the future. The disturbance I am referring to is the decrease in the number of folklore singers in the community. To prevent such situations, it is our duty to collect the pieces that make up the musical heritage of Lipovan Russians and give them their due scientific attention, thus providing a chance to those interested in the future to discover and appreciate it at its true value.