Historical connections of the figurations phenomenon present in the instrumental folk music in Transylvania

Abstract

Figuration is a characteristic phenomenon of instrumental folk music interpretation in Transylvania. The specialized literature discovers the presence of figuration in European cult music from the 16th to the 17th centuries. In the same period, the integration of the Gipsy fiddler into the folk tradition took place. The phenomenon with different names from different areas and centuries is largely similar to the folk phenomenon of today. The figurations are manifest within developed variations, together with them being present in the phenomenon of improvisation as well. This manner of interpretation is maintained in the playing of the instrumental music of Transylvania, and it is reminiscent of a practice largely prevalent throughout the whole of Europe from times long past.