BRIDGING RURAL TRADITIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RUSSIAN AND ROMANIAN FOLK INFLUENCES IN CLASSICAL MUSIC
Abstract
This study investigates the rural folk traditions of Russia and Romania and their influence on classical music development in both regions. Through a comparative analysis of representative compositions, the research highlights how Russian and Romanian folk elements—such as modal melodies, asymmetric rhythms, and storytelling structures—have shaped the musical language of classical composers. While Russian folk music often emphasizes lyrical themes and collective identity, Romanian folk traditions reveal rich regional diversity and complex rhythmic patterns rooted in village life. By examining these parallel yet distinct musical cultures, the paper offers insight into the ways rural heritage informs national identity and artistic innovation within classical music.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Alice Balan
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