Od samomluvy k chóru aneb písniček se držte! - Čtení o české lidové a zlidovělé písni – Bystrov Michal (2016)

The extensive anthology, whose title and subtitle stem from the reflections of František Halas, is a unique attempt to provide a broader reading public with a detailed report on the transformations in the perception of the theme of Czech folk and popular songs in literature and journalism over the last two centuries. The book consists of thirteen sections, ranging from general reflections, essays, and articles defining the concept of folk songs (Erben, Kolár, Kuba, Hostinský), to articles focusing on specific areas (regional and thematic divisions) and concrete examples of compositions and entire celebrations and rituals, many of which have already fallen into oblivion. In further sections, a wide range of phenomena related to the issues of Czech folklore are illustrated through small and larger literary forms, characterized among other things by unprecedented stylistic charm, from the origins of songs to their collection and communication with folk singers, from whose repertoire the recorded songs originate, to various types of folk music and musicians. Urban folklore and urban figures - harpists, spindle makers, peddlers - are also included. The book also touches on songs from a linguistic perspective and addresses their interpretation. With necessary exceptions in the form of now canonical contributions on the theme of folk and popular songs (e.g....