The problem of authenticity in the repertoire of the “Folclor” orchestra: institutional policies of the Moldovan Broadcasting, and reflections in the Soviet press from the 1970s-1980s

Abstract

The study addresses the diverse and controversial aspects regarding the concept, notion and principle of authenticity in neo-traditional music, known as “popular/folk music”, promoted by the popular studio orchestra “Folclor”, within the Republican Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (TRM), in the ideological context of the Soviet period, throughout 1970-1980s. The author tries to reveal the directorial role of the Artistic Council of the TRM, as an institutional body of control, censorship, evaluation, homologation and political accreditation of the popular creations as cultural expressions of the Moldavian SSR, in accordance with the cultural policies of the party-state. Calling on the analysis of some studies on the topic, the synthesis of typical wordings from the minutes and the evaluation of the critics, exposed in the press pages of the era, the main characteristics of the neo-traditional popular/folk authenticity are highlighted.