Topical folk songs workshop with Piotr Wawrzkiewicz | The Summer School of Tradition | REGISTRATION OPENS

The essence of traditional Polish topical songs lies in three key elements: a compelling theme, a specific rhyming scheme called “Częstochowa rhyme,” and the creative reuse of existing melodies known as “contrafacta.”

Songs, like sparks, often ignite briefly and fade as the memory of the events that inspired them wanes. But are topical songs (updated songs, pieśni aktualizowane) still relevant and necessary in today’s world? And how are they created? Is the Częstochowa rhyme a form of kitsch or artistry?

These questions will be explored by participants in this workshop. Through examples, the workshop will delve into the inspirations of  writers of these topical songs. Participants will then use contemporary news articles as the basis for writing their own songs(s) following the guidelines discussed.

The workshop will be led by Piotr Wawrzkiewicz, a master of the lira, a traditional bowed string instrument, equally skilled as a violinist, singer, and dancer. His passion for preserving musical heritage extends to his roles as a collector and researcher of songbooks and broadsides. Recognised for his contributions, Wawrzkiewicz received a Ministry of Culture and National Heritage scholarship in 2019 to delve into the world of indulgences printed with songs. He is also the author of the project “Songs for Pennies” –https://www.facebook.com/Piesnizagrosze/.

The event is part of the Summer School of Tradition  2024. The Summer School of Tradition is organised by the Kultura Enter Foundation. The project is supported by the City of Lublin.

For: ages 18+

Sign up via the online form

The number of spots is limited, submissions are processed in the order they are received.