Sofra Gjakovare-Edi dhe Fatos Furra-Orkestri Liriket 8 Shtator 2011

Описание: A cultural manifestation, the treasure of cultural heritage
"SOFRA GJAKOVARE"
8th of September 2011, (Thursday) at 20.00 in front of Hotel "Çarshia e Jupave"
With participation of: Fatos and Edi Furra, Music group "LIRIKËT" and other guests
"Sofra gjakovare" presents a precious treasure of spiritual heritage of Gjakova population because round these traditional "table" is cultivated the tradition the old music. As an attractive and interesting form of every-day life, the organizing of these musical "sofras" (round lower tables) is still present nowadays. "Sofra" represents the understanding of family wealth, but also mirror the spiritual richness of the music creator. As such they present a valuable part of the people's heritage.
"Sofra" in time
Gjakova is known as the city of Craftsmanship and diligent masters of tens of crafts. Craftsmen were organized in so called "esnafs", while "esnafs" as forms of city social life organizing knew how to organize the musical life of these craftsmen as well. Therefore, after a hard day's work at the Gjakova esnaf's ambience many musical gathering were organized where instrumentalists and singers spent the evening hours round the victuals of these tables called "sofra".
They presented the creative spirit not just of the singers but of the whole city. Recognized singers of Albanian folk music started their calling exactly at these ambiences and round these "sofras". "Sofra" has become a part of spiritual identity of Gjakova.
"Sofra" today
Today "sofra" is organized due to ceremonies at home and in restaurants. At home "sofra" is placed in the middle of the room (oda) with the diameter of about 2m. and round it can sit up to 20 persons. On "sofra" the cooked food is placed served as meze for the singers sitting round this table. The traditional food which was served in earlier times also dominates today.
In front of the singers round the room there are also other sitting commodities like squabs and ottomans, where the musicians that play the instruments do sit. The singers and instrumentalists are followed by other men that join in singing. There is also traditional folk dancing performed. The vast repertoire of the songs testifies the rich creativity of the "sofra" participants.
The music
Gjakova is known for its traditional music. Gjakovar songs in it contain specific characteristics concerning musicality, individuality that makes these songs unique. These songs are characterized with high tonalities built in the melody which create inimitability of the singing at the feasts and round "sofra".
Through these songs the feeling of brag and pride, patriotism and humanism was cultivated.
The gatherings in order- feasts and mainly round these "sofra" tables made possible for youngsters in particular to find spiritual respite, the rising of joy and pleasure. These gatherings also made possible the expression of their affinities and talents for singing and humor, because when the music paused the scene was left for the humorists and other skilled and talented individuals. The exceptional gatherings were a stimulating and inducing component for the artists of those times. Through them the curiosity and interest of the artists provoked the creation of the city folk songs.