Compilation of volumes by Little Qamil (Qamili i Vogël): an important document tracing the traditional Albanian musical culture

Abstract

In addition to his invaluable role as a singer-songwriter and performer of traditional Albanian songs, this paper will focus on the contribution of Little Qamil [Qamili i Vogël] as to the arrangement and compilation of his 11 volumes containing various traditional songs from all the regions inhabited by Albanians. In the presentation of this paper, we will delve into the ethnomusical aspect of the extensive collection of nearly 400 songs from various Albanian regions featured in the pages of the volumes concerned. What are the songs from the Albanian areas outlined in these 11 volumes? What is the harmonic and rhythmic structure of these songs? Why is it crucial to preserve, document, and systematize all this creative work of Little Qamil [Qamili i Vogël] contained in these volumes for the benefit of future generations? Questions as such will help us uncover the connections and intersections that Little Qamil [Qamili i Vogël] has had with the Albanian musical tradition. The paper will also underscore the significant role played by the entire repertoire collected by him, serving as a primary and crucial reference to the concept of originality, as well as for its gradual musicalization and accompaniment with musical instruments, eventually becoming a significant part of the Albanian civic song.

Keywords

• Contribution
• Documentation
• Kosovo
• Little Qamil [Qamili i Vogël]
• Systematization
• Tradition

References

1. Qamili i Vogël (2006), “Këngë përjetësie”, (me rastin e 15-vjetorit të vdekjës), Litografia, Gjakovë. [Qamili i Vogël (2006), “Song of eternity”, (on the 15th anniversary of his death), Litografia, Gjakovë.]
2. Qamili i Vogël, (1957), “Bylbyli në Çabrat”, Milladin Popoviç, Prishtinë. [Qamili i Vogël, (1957), “Nightingale in Çabrat”, Milladin Popović, Prishtina.]
3. Qamili i Vogël, (1959), “Me sharkinë e Ymer Rizës”, Rilindja, Prishtinë. [Qamili i Vogël, (1959), “With Ymer Riza's shargia” , Rilindja, Prishtina.]
4. Qamili i Vogël, (1960), “Lulet e Beharit”, Rilindja. [Qamili i Vogël, (1960), “ Flowers of Springtime”, Rilindja.] Qamili i Vogël, (1963), “Flaka e zemrës”, Rilindja, Prishtinë. [Qamili i Vogël, (1963), “Flames of the heart”, Rilindja, Prishtina.]
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