Fields of Activity of Volodymyr Goshovskyi (Dedicated to the Centenary of the Scientist)
Authors: Madyar-Novak Vira 
Published: January 2023

In the conditions of the Russian occupation, when Ukraine is fighting for independence, the commemoration of the centennial anniversary of one of the “titans” of Ukrainian ethnomusicology, Volodymyr Hoshovsky (1922–1996), acquires special national significance.

The article reviews the spheres of activity of the scientist throughout his life starting from his childhood. The diverse upbringing and education of the European level formed V. Hoshovsky’s interest in the exact sciences and humanities, as well as in art, even in his childhood. This diversity of interests allows you to respond to changing life circumstances and master a new profession.

After receiving a doctorate in philology and ethnography at the Charles University in Prague (1944), V. Hoshovsky prepared to become a scientist and became a polyglot. His main linguistic studies fell on the Prague period: work at the Institute of Slavic Studies, teaching at the Modern Languages Club, brilliant proposals and scientific prospects for the future.

Ethnographic studies took place in Uzhhorod in 1946–1948. V. Hoshovsky headed the ethnographic department of the Uzhhorod Historical and Ethnographic Museum, began an in-depth survey of the folk culture and lifestyle of the villages of the Transcarpathian region, and organized a number of large exhibitions.

The strengthening of ideological pressure and the closing of the ethnographic department led to the search for a new field of activity and realization as a professional musician. V. Hoshovsky obtained a second higher education – this time – in music. He graduated from the Lviv State Conservatory named after M.V. Lysenko (1953), as in Prague, having chosen two specialties. As a result, he became the first professional guitarist and the first professional conductor of an orchestra of folk instruments in Transcarpathia. A passion for musical aesthetics and musicology was added to the performances. His musical activity was very intense.

Since 1955, V. Hoshovsky entered the field of ethnomusicology, which turned into his life’s work. His research on folk music evolved, delineating three periods. In the early period (Uzhhorod, 1955–1961), the scientist focused on regional studies: he carried out numerous field surveys of Transcarpathian villages, began the study of the history of musical folklore of Transcarpathia, studied the kolomyika in the context of Slavic studies, and engaged in the discovery of the musical dialects of Transcarpathia.

In the mature period (Lviv, Yerevan, 1962–1986) V. Hoshovsky significantly expanded the range of scientific interests, reached the level of Carpathian studies, Slavic studies and cybernetic ethnomusicology, completed studies in the field of musical dialectology, significantly updated the research methodology by involving the methods of linguistics, semiotics, genetics, cybernetics, etc. The main his works were the anthology “Ukrainian Songs of Transcarpathia” (1968), the monograph “On the Origins of Folk Music of the Slavs” (1971), the two-volume collection of Klyment Kvitka’s works “K.V. Kvitka. Selected Works” (1971, 1973), development of UNSACAT (on the basis of Lviv analytical maps, and in cooperation with Armenian programmers), computer research of Ukrainian, Slovak, Armenian and Azerbaijani folk music. In the later period (Lviv, Uzhhorod, 1986–1996) he focused on the coverage of certain ethnomusicological issues and memories.

The review made it possible to come to the conclusion that the realization of V. Hoshovsky in the field of linguistics and ethnography laid an interest in scientific work. The switch to the musical sphere made it possible to wait out the ideological pressure. Fascination with ethnomusicology marked a return to the bosom of science, but at a new level: with the unification of all previously acquired knowledge and experience. The breadth of scientific interests, familiarity with modern methods of research in various fields of science, the possibility of studying the latest European specialized literature in the original language distinguished this scientist among contemporary ethnomusicologists and provided space for bold experiments.

As for pedagogical and social work, they formed a supporting line to the philological, musical, and ethnomusicological spheres of V. Hoshovsky’s activities. On the one hand, they stimulated public interest in certain issues, and on the other hand, they contributed to the education of followers who formed the musical, performing and ethnomusicological future of Ukraine.