Synthesis of Eastern and Western Ethnic Elements in Vocal Art: Intercultural Discourse

Abstract

Modern vocal art is formed in the space of cultural intersection, where Eastern and Western intonation systems do not oppose each other, but create a new artistic reality. Purpose of the study consists in determining the features of the synthesis of Eastern and Western ethnic motifs in vocal art, which contribute to the development of the formation of cultural identity and cross-cultural dialogue. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach using historical-contextual, cultural, comparative, structural-analytical and empirical methods. The experimental results were statistically verified by the weight coefficient and Fisher’s (F) and Student’s (t) criteria. The results confirm that the interpenetration of Eastern and Western traditions in vocal art forms a new type of performing identity, where the aesthetics of authenticity is combined with postmodern experimentalism. It was established that a characteristic feature of Western ethnic music is the reliance on diatonic systems with a pronounced tonal function (=0.79), the constancy of harmonic structures (=0.83) and clear intonation and articulation accuracy (=0.85). Elements of Eastern ethnic music are the widespread use of melismas (=0.53), microtones (=0.80), free rhythm (=0.86), as well as a high level of improvisation and ornamentality of the vocal line (=0.78). With the participation of 48 students, it became possible to determine that the most harmonious combination of Eastern and Western musical approaches is observed in the opera “Madame Butterfly” by G. Puccini (9.8 points) and the songs of DakhaBrakha (9.6 points). The advantages are associated with the use of pentatonic intonations and “brittle” rhythm (G. Puccini), the combination of dialect singing with modern sound effects (DakhaBrakha). It was determined that the most influential value of vocal art is the spread of ethnic vocal techniques (=0.79), the preservation of cultural traditions (=0.77), which contributes to understanding the ways of reproducing different music, its character, and philosophical ideas. The practical significance of the study expands methodological approaches in the system of art education and activates production practices aimed at cultural diplomacy, the development of vocal cross-cultural competence, and the preservation of ethnic traditions in modern interpretations.