LITHUANIA | Page 20

Traditional music Lithuanian folk music belongs to Baltic music branch which is connected with neolithic corded ware culture. In Lithuanian territory meets two musical cultures: stringed and wind instrument cultures. These instrumental cultures probably formed vocal traditions. Lithuanian folk music is archaic, mostly used for ritual purposes, containing elements of paganism faith. The most famous Lithuanian traditional musical instruments are skrabalai (percussion instrument), skudučiai (wind instrument) and kanklės (string instrument). Traditionally one type instrument would be used to accompany a song, but "traditional instrument orchestras" have been establishe d in the 20th century, modernizing the once-archaic Lithuanian instruments to expand their accuracy and possibilities. In addition to the main Lithuanian instruments there were many reserved for special occasions or works which are now obsolete (e.g. džingulis is a large jingling rod for calling villagers into a wedding) . 1st Junior High School of Sitia Greece