Ukrainian Symbolism in Mykola Lysenko’s Art Songs and Taras Shevchenko’s Poetry

Abstract

Composer Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912) and poet Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861) memorialized Ukrainian culture in the art songs “The Cherry Orchard,” “Ribbon to Ribbon,” “Dancing Shoes,” “The Cove,” “A Piper’s Tune,” “The Coral Necklace,” and “The Princess.” This article, which is written to accompany a lecture recital of Lysenko’s music, analyzes the Ukrainian symbolism and traditions in the works, credits key project resources, gives an overview of Mykola Lysenko’s biographical information, and discusses the cultural importance of this collaboration with Shevchenko. Shevchenko’s poetry highlights traditions or symbolism specific to Ukrainian culture. Examples include the “vyshyvanka” (Ukrainian embroidery), “cherevikiv” (traditional boots), and “soloveiko” (nightingale, the national bird of Ukraine).