Self-study guide for Playing the Kobza or Bandura, ІІ
Zlobynets M. O. Self-study guide for playing kobza or bandura. P. 2. Songs with notes for singing and performing on the kobza / M. Domontovych [pseudonym]. – Odesa : Dilo. Printing house of Y. Fesenko, 1913. – IV, 49 p. : sheet music.
“Self-study guide for Playing the Kobza or Bandura” is a unique work in two parts by the prominent Ukrainian bandura player, cultural and public figure, poet, and teacher Mykhailo Zlobynets (1883‑1937), who was published under the pseudonym M. Domontovych. This textbook was one of the first Ukrainian-language manuals for learning to play the kobza or bandura. It is the result of the author's many years of experience and research, based on his direct acquaintance with kobza players and his own teaching experience.
In the second part of the textbook, the author does not provide any technical exercises or etudes. This part consists of 15 Ukrainian songs with notes and lyrics for singing to the accompaniment of the kobza, namely: “Oh, beyond the grove of trees”, “Buckwheaters”, “About Sava Chaly (historical song)”, “On the death of Taras Shevchenko (duma)” and others.
Mykhailo Zlobynets not only developed this textbook, but also played an important role in the development of Ukrainian bandura art by organising the first ensemble of sighted bandura players. His “Self-study” remains a valuable historical and methodological source for researchers and those who want to learn more about traditional Ukrainian music.