Music of Lithuania

Lithuania has a long history of unique polyphonic music played on flutes, zithers (kankles) and other instruments. Traditional songs called dainos are the most prominent folk music of Lithuania. They vary widely across the country, which is the largest of the Baltic states. Most popularly, Auk?taitija in northeastern Lithuania is known for sutartines music.

Related Topics:
Lithuania - Polyphonic music - Flute - Zither - Kankles - Dainos - Folk music - Baltic states - Auk?taitija - Sutartines

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Kankles, Lithuanian zithers, are popular to accompany sutartines polkas, quadrilles and waltzes. They also accompany rateliai music and dance, alongside a kind of whistle called lamzdeliai, fiddles and a three-stringed bass fiddle called basetle.

Related Topics:
Kankles - Polka - Quadrille - Waltz - Rateliai - Whistle - Lamzdeliai - Fiddle - Bass fiddle - Basetle

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In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, accordions, concertinas and bandoneons were incorporated into folk ensembles.

Related Topics:
Nineteenth - Twentieth - Accordions - Concertinas - Bandoneons

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Perhaps the most important Lithuanian group is Skriaudziai kankles, formed in 1906. 1924 saw the first Dainu Sventes (literally "Holidays of Songs"), song festivals which were state-supported and helped to keep folk traditions alive. The 1960s saw people rebelling against these Soviet-controlled traditions, and led a roots revival that soon led to celebrations of Lithuanian identity in festivals and celebrations.In 1980s rock bands like Foje and Antis became popular in Lithuania. Nowadays the Lithuanian music industry is dominated by pop music, although several folk- and folklore ensembles are still active. Lots of underground Metal bands also exist.

Related Topics:
Skriaudziai kankles - 1906 - 1924 - Dainu Sventes - 1960s - Roots revival - 1980s - Foje - Antis - Pop music - Metal

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