An analysis of the Aheng and the combination of elements of traditional Albanian culture with the Ottoman one

Abstract

The melodies of the civic music of Shkodra contain elements of Albanian professional music. Shkodra's musical style has been built in a large city with economic, social and cultural influence for many years. It has a high level of sophistication of the "arioso" melody, due to the detailed instrumental performance. Instrumental musical formations, such as the winds bands and choirs, developed greatly during the mid-nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Depending on the singer and the time period, the vocals may also contain influences from other music. The citizens of Shkodra enjoy a rich and diverse repertoire. This music was born in certain historical circumstances, making it possible to acquire some musical features that are evident in the interpretation of civic music. The most used instruments in the civic musical style of Shkodra include the clarinet, violin, double bass, lute, acoustic guitar, accordion, piano and tambourine.

In Shkodra music, no instrument has gained an advantage over others; rather, melodies tend to appear as a mix that equally encompasses all instruments. The “Aheng” of Shkodra is considered one of the most important repertoires of Shkodra music, which combined elements of traditional Albanian culture with the Ottoman one. The influence of the Ottoman period from the century. XV
to the beginning of the century. XX in traditional music and the vocabulary used in it was quite important, as the aheng songs have a primary role in Shkodra folklore and have been inherited from generation to generation turning Shkodra into an important musical and cultural center. The aheng songs reflected something more than the dances sung. Although influenced by Ottoman culture, these songs adapted to the spiritual demands of the citizens of Shkodra. So, in the Shkodra aheng, the very important role of the folk musicians is noticed, in the cultivation and then the renewal of the party, in order to convey it better to the people.