Dumka

Dumka 

(1) The common name for Ukrainian and Polish lyrical and lyrical epic songs resembling the duma in their improvised quality and harmonic properties. The term was introduced in the 19th century by folklorists of the western Ukraine.

(2) The name of several instrumental and vocal pieces (compositions for the piano by P. I. Tchaikovsky and M. A. Balakirev and a trio by A. Dvorak) or of sections of longer works, for example, in the Second Ukrainian Rhapsody for piano by Lysenko and in the operas Halka by Moniushko and Sorochintsy Fair by Mussorgsky.

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Dumka 

the state academic choir of the Ukrainian SSR. It was organized in 1920 in Kiev with singers from the conservatory choir. The designation “Dumka” is an acronym for the Derzhavna Ukrains’ka Mandrivna Kapela (The State Ukrainian Traveling Choir). In 1930 it received the title of Honored Choir of the Ukrainian SSR. Its basic repertoire, consisting of choir works without instrumental accompaniment, includes Ukrainian, Russian, and foreign classics and contemporary works by Soviet Ukrainian composers and by composers of other Soviet nationalities and other socialist countries. The choir also performs adaptations of Ukrainian folk songs and major vocal-symphonic works. Dumka performs in concert in many Soviet cities. From 1946 to 1964 the artistic director and chief conductor of the choir was Honored Art Worker of the Ukrainian SSR A. N. Soroka. He was succeeded in 1964 by People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR P. I. Muravskii. People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR M. M. Krechko has been the artistic director and the choir conductor since 1969. The choir has been awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

REFERENCE

Spiridonova, A. Gosudarstvennaia akademicheskaia khorovaia kapella USSR “Dumka.” Kiev, 1960.