Hutsulka Ksenya (song)
| "Hutsulka Ksenya" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Released | 1932 |
| Genre | Folk/Tango |
| Composer(s) | Ivan Nedilsky (disputed) |
| Lyricist(s) | Roman Savitsky or Yaroslav Barnych (disputed) |
Hutsulka Ksenya (Also spelled: Hutzulka Ksenya or Hutsulka Ksenia; Ukrainian: Гуцулка Ксеня, IPA: [ˈɦut͡sulʲkɑ ksɛnjɑ]) is a Ukrainian folk-tango song that originated in the 1930s. Its authorship remains a subject of debate. The lyrics are often attributed to Roman Savitsky, a teacher from the village of Bachyna,[1] while the music is frequently credited to Ivan Nedilsky, a composer and conductor from the village of Zolotyi Potik.[2] Some sources, however, attribute both the lyrics and music to Yaroslav Barnych, a composer and conductor from Balyntsi, who later adapted the song into a popular operetta.[3][4][5]
The song tells the story of a young Hutsul woman named Ksenya, admired for her beauty and vitality. Set in the Carpathian Mountains, the song reflects themes of love, admiration, and regional identity, while celebrating the traditions and spirit of Hutsul culture and life in the Ukrainian highlands.[6]
Background
There are two main accounts regarding the origins of this song
Version One
According to this version, the composer of the song is Yaroslav Barnych, a Ukrainian conductor, teacher, and public figure.[3] His niece, Olena Verhanovska, recalled that Barnych often visited their home in Kolomyia while traveling from Stanislaviv (now Ivano-Frankivsk), and that he worked on the song there. This account is also supported by some of Barnych’s students and contemporaries.
The inspiration for the character Ksenya is believed to have been Ksenya Klinovska from Nebyliv, a village in the Rozhniativ district. She reportedly studied in Stanislaviv and is said to have inspired Barnych. However, there is limited documentary evidence to verify these details.
In 1938, Barnych composed the operetta "Hutsulka Ksenya", which includes the song.[7]
Version Two
Another account credits the song to Roman Savitsky, a teacher from the village of Bachyna in the Lviv region.[1] Although he did not have formal musical training, Savitsky was involved in local musical activities in Stanislaviv.
He is said to have written the lyrics during a summer visit to the village of Sheshory, where he stayed with relatives. His cousin’s daughter, Ksenia, participated in a local celebration and jokingly asked him to write a song for her.[8][9] According to this version, Savitsky wrote the lyrics, and they were later set to music by Ivan Nedilsky.[9]
Barnych later incorporated elements of the song into his 1938 operetta "Hutsulka Ksenya".[7]
Cultural Impact
In addition to the 1938 operetta, Hutsulka Ksenya continues to be relevant in Ukraine's culture today. The song is often performed at cultural events and folk festivals, and is regularly featured in various Ukrainian music programs.[10] Additionally in 2019, a film adaptation of Barnych's operetta based on this song was created.[11]
References
- ^ a b "Savitsky Roman - Ukrainian Musical World". Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Nedilsky, Ivan". The Ukrainian Church Music Archive. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ a b "Barnych, Yaroslav". www.encyclopediaofukraine.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Морі, Євгеній (2020-11-22). ""Гуцулка Ксеня": історія довоєнного танго. СУСПІЛЬНЕ | МУЗИКА". Суспільне | Новини (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Lesia, Turchak (2020-12-28). "Unknown Author of a World-Famous Song: Biographical Research as Cultural Studies Agenda". Issues in Cultural Studies (36): 79–89. doi:10.31866/2410-1311.36.2020.221048.
- ^ Zhdanko, Andrii; Oliinyk, Svitlana (April 2024). "The Topos of Hutsulshchyna in Yaroslav Barnych's Operetta "Hutsulka Ksenia"". ResearchGate.net. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ a b Turchak, Lesya Ivanivna (December 2019). "Творчість Ярослава Барнича: внесок у музичну культуру". researchgate.net (in Ukrainian). Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "Гуцулка Ксеня із легендарної пісні живе у Чикаго і на Прикарпаття після еміграції приїжджала лише двічі. ФОТО". vikna.if.ua (in Ukrainian). March 5, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Михно, Ольга (2017-06-15). "In Chicago, she died the very "Hutsul Xenia", which was dedicated to the legendary song". ForumDaily. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Koval, Tamara; Kaniuka, Liubov; Neboha, Olesia; Kovtiukh, Lidiia; Kalinichenko, Nataliia (February 13, 2025). "The Role of Music Education in the Formation of Cultural Identity in the Modern World". Journal of Curriculum and Teaching. 14 (1): 349. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "Hutsulka Ksenya | Soundview Media Partners LLC". Retrieved 2025-05-04.