The influence of the singer’s personality on traditional singing practice: Young vs. old

Abstract

This case study focuses on two active interpreters of the traditional folk song in Serbia: the first is a member of the older generation (71 years old), a self-taught singer who grew up in the countryside; the other belongs to the younger generation (20 years old), a state educated singer who grew up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. We compare their views on traditional singing and styles of interpretation (singing technique, gesture, dressing, etc.) in order to determine what elements of personality connect these two singers, and what elements distinguish them. The aim is to map the current state of traditional singing practice as it relates to urban society as well to outline the personalities of the singers, who are bearers of singing tradition. This mapping, along with a diachronic perspective of Serbian traditional singing, helps us to perceive the potential for development and survival, especially among members of the younger generation, on whom, of course, the tradition depends most directly.