Ukrainian Rhapsody No. 2 ‘Dumka-Schumka’, Op. 18 (Lysenko)
Movements
Notes
Rhapsody No. 2, named “Dumka-Shumka” was written by Ukrainian Romantic composer Mykola Lysenko. In this work, the composer continued the traditions of European piano music of the 19th century (originally also written for piano solo), including the famous Hungarian Rhapsodies by Franz Liszt. With this piece, often called “Ukrainian”, Lysenko shows great respect for history, for the heroic times of the Cossacks – an important era of Ukrainian history. It’s displayed in the bright musical image of the Ukrainian musician, a kobzar, as well as in the melodies of Ukrainian folk songs, dumas, and in the rapid and awe-inspiring song and dance “shumka”.
