The original version was much more dramatic: what secrets does the Ukrainian tango "Hutsulka Ksenia" hold?

"Hutsulka Ksenya" is one of the most famous Ukrainian songs, enchanting listeners with its melodiousness and dramatic love story for over 80 years. This tango, born in the Carpathians, has become a true symbol of Ukrainian culture, narrating a tale of passionate feelings, betrayal, and indescribable pain.

Created in the late 1930s, the song has several versions of authorship, has undergone numerous variations of lyrics, and has become a genuine emblem of Ukrainian culture.

The Mystery of Authorship

The story behind the creation of "Hutsulka Ksenya" is shrouded in legends and disputes. The most widely accepted version attributes the authorship of the song to composer Yaroslav Barnych. According to his niece, Elena Verganova, the inspiration for the song in 1938 came from the composer's student, Ksenia Klynovska.

However, there is another version stating that the true author is Roman Savitsky, a village teacher from Semihyniv. According to legend, he wrote the song while resting in the picturesque village of Sheshory, where the local youth crowned his niece Ksenia as the queen of the evening.

A Dramatic Love Story

The original lyrics of the song tell a deeply dramatic story. A young Hutsul falls in love with the beautiful Ksenya, but over time, his heart begins to beat for another. On the last summer night, he confesses to Ksenya that their love has faded. In the first version of the song, the girl cannot bear this betrayal and takes her own life.

In the original version, there were lines:

"Cheremosh's waves were beating

Ksenya ran in despair

Fell steeply on the peak

The wind mournfully wailed

Leaving a trail every night

And sought the maiden's traces

When he found her eyes closed

He kissed them one last time

Struggling against the pine

With a heavy heart, he played for the girl,

So that the mountains could hear

How he loved the Hutsulka"

Over time, "Hutsulka Ksenya" has undergone significant transformations. Modern versions of the song mostly avoid the tragic ending, focusing instead on the romantic part and the unique melody that has captivated millions of hearts.

Cultural Heritage

Today, "Hutsulka Ksenya" is not just a song but a true cultural phenomenon. It has been performed by numerous Ukrainian artists, including the band "Randevu" and the quartet "Yavir," each adding their own vision and interpretation. The song continues to inspire contemporary musicians to create new arrangements and versions.

This tango remains one of the most striking examples of how folk creativity can convey the deepest human emotions and preserve the cultural memory of generations. "Hutsulka Ksenya" is not only a tale of love and betrayal but also a reflection of the rich spiritual heritage of the Ukrainian people.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported on the Ukrainian roots of a global jazz standard. The folk song has transformed into a musical legend, having numerous versions performed in different languages around the world.