Morpho-functional elements in the miniature genre Chastushki, from the folklore of the Lipovan Russians

Abstract

The Lipovan Russians have been settling on Dobrogea for more than three hundred years, especially in the villages of the Danube Delta. Due to the isolation provided by the surrounding waters, they have managed to preserve and transmit language, religion, culture, and way of life from generation to generation. The existing musical repertoire in community practice is rich and varied. The traditional creations that are found in most musical genres belong to both the old and the new layer of creation. The present study aims to highlight the morpho-functional elements of a miniature genre - Chastushki - which can be performed exclusively vocally or with instrumental accompaniment. Chastushki, a musical genre based on improvisation, is specific to traditional Russian culture and was brought from the territories of origin by Lipovan Russians from Dobrogea. This genus is currently threatened with extinction.