This unique event aimed at discovering and nurturing the vocal traditions of the region. In an intimate atmosphere at the firehouse of the TSO in Bialymbloot - Old Village, the participants delved into the distinctive repertoire of songs of the Biala Forest. Singing was once an integral part of the lives of the area's residents, telling the story of their daily life, nature, rituals and values.
The meeting began with a brief introduction about the musical culture of the Kurpie region. The hosts and initiators of the meeting - Agata Deptuła and Marysia Kmoch, talked about the importance of songs in the daily life of the former inhabitants of the regions and about the work on documenting and recreating these traditions. The most important part of the meeting was singing together. Participants learned both the lyrics and the unique melodies. The atmosphere quickly ebbed and flowed, and the singing carried through the space filled to the brim of the room, creating a sense of community. Even people who were trying their hand at this type of singing for the first time were eager to join the group, soaking up the atmosphere of the event. The meeting was enriched with stories about the old singers of the Biała and Zielona Puszcza - people who passed on songs and thanks to whom the tradition has survived to this day. Participants had the opportunity to hear stories about the characters, their singing styles, and how singing played a role in storytelling and communication in the local community. There were also comparisons to the traditions of the Zielona Puszcza. One could hear the same songs, however, in two versions - one from the Biała Puszcza and the other from the Zielona Puszcza. A few words about the nature of music and instruments from the Kurpie area were said by Mr. Pawel Dabkowski, founder of the Kurpiowska Akademia Smyczkowa. Mr. Remigiusz Mazur- Hanaj-musician, ethnomusicologist, cultural animator-talked about the characteristics of instrumental music and songs of Kurpi Biala, as well as his personal experience of Kurpie music. One could also listen to the song "Dobro ja mamę miała" performed by Mrs. Agata Harz - privately the wife of Mr. Remigiusz.
The event ended with thanks to the hosts and participants, as well as declarations by many that they would be happy to participate in future events of this type. Joint singing, a wealth of traditional melodies and a friendly atmosphere made the participants full of positive impressions moved on to the next part, which was a joint dance, opened by dancers from the Association "U nas na Kurpiach Białych". They presented traditional steps, including polka, oberek and waltz. The dance was accompanied by excellent musicians: Kurpiowska Akademia Smyczkowa (Kurpian String Academy), Brothers Henryk and Eugeniusz Borek, Jerzy Święch with Witold Maciąg and Ryszard Długołęcki with Kapela "Puszcza Biała".
The singing meeting around the traditional singing of the Puszcza Biała is not only about learning songs, but above all a deep experience of community with contact with the heritage of the ancestors. Through singing, participants discovered ancient traditions in a vivid way that transcends generations and allows for authentic immersion in the culture of the region. Such an event is also important for preserving and popularizing the unique musical identity of the Puszcza Biała. It proves that tradition lives on when it is passed on and created anew by successive generations.
Text: Natalia Dziewulska
Photos and video: Dominik Gregajtys
