Ukrainian folk influences in contemporary classical music: trends and prospects

Abstract

The world’s folk art is one of the most significant topics in contemporary cultural practice, requiring careful analysis, as it is directly related to the processes of globalization, market transformations, and commerce. Art inevitably engages with themes of identity and self-determination, which become particularly pressing in nations confronting external challenges, as seen in Ukraine during the 2020s. This also applies to musical folklore, which remains an important source of inspiration for composers of academic music today. This article summarizes the role and significance of Ukrainian folk music in the work of 21st century composers. This study aims to examine the incorporation of folk music elements into modern symphonic, chamber, instrumental, and electronic compositions. The analysis focuses on works created between 2000 and 2024. This article analyzes the works of Ukrainian composers who work in a contemporary academic style and use elements of Ukrainian folk songs in their compositions. Folk motifs are integrated into various musical contexts, ranging from experimental electronic music to atonal and aleatoric orchestral textures, jazz harmonies, and dramatic moments in symphonic compositions. Globalization has posed new challenges to the world’s culture in terms of preserving folk art in modern conditions. However, Ukrainian folk art demonstrates considerable resilience and adaptability in the contemporary artistic environment.