A Multilevel Classification of Căluș Tunes (Argeș County)

Abstract

The Ethnomusicological Study of Căluș Dances became part of the research plan of the Institute of Ethnography and Folklore “Constantin Brăiloiu”. The analysed corpus of the Călușul in Argeș consists of 200 tunes recorded by ethno-choreologist Anca Giurchescu, as direct observation or as re-enactment, and fully transcribed. In order to obtain a valid classification, we considered that the analysing terms should gather pieces with common features. Accordingly, we selected three coalescing parameters for defining the characteristics of this repertoire. This analysis led to a classification with 12 categories, infra-classes, which can be gradually grouped in sub-classes and, at a superior level, in classes. The special feature of our approach resides in the fact that these are interchangeable, which allows alternative multilevel classifications, in any necessary order. We consider that the analytical potential of the alternative multi-level classification is significant in highlighting the system of preferential relations created between hythmic, architectonic and melodic structures at the level of the entire repertoire. Keywords: rhythmic, architectonic, melodic level, multilevel classification.