Epic Songs Recorded from Dava Shavaliev: Compositional Features
https://doi.org/10.22162/2500-1523-2018-14-98-115
Abstract
The article examines songs of the Jangar from the prominent Kalmyk jangarchi Dava Shavaliev’s epic repertory. The whole of the jangarchi’s repertory to have included a prologue and four epic songs was recorded by the renowned Russian Mongolist A. Burdukov in 1939.
The paper studies compositional schemes, motifs and common features (episodes) traced in Dava Shavaliev’s epic songs, and provides a comparative amalysis. The conducted work makes it possible to conclude that the rhapsode would follow the traditional performance patterns. Being aware of the essential structural principles of the epic, the jangarchi constructed the narratives of his within a certain framework to have included five compositional elements, namely: 1) selection of a hero (warrior), 2) his departure, 3) accomplishment of the task, 4) his return to homeland, 5) feast.
Dava Shavaliev made ample use of traditional and standard poetic formulas, stylistic and compositional means that significantly added to the expressiveness of his songs.
Keywords
Heroic Epic of Jangar,
tradition,
jangarchi,
epic repertory,
song,
motif,
compositional structure,
style
About the Author
B. Mandzhieva
Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin Str., Elista, 358000, Russian Federation)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ph. D. in Philology (Cand. of Philological Sc.), Scientific Secretary
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Review
For citations:
Mandzhieva B. Epic Songs Recorded from Dava Shavaliev: Compositional Features. Mongolian Studies. 2018;10(3):98-115. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2500-1523-2018-14-98-115
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