szárúak

The term *szárúak* refers to a group of Hungarian folk songs that originated in the Carpathian Basin, particularly in the regions of Transylvania, Hungary, and Slovakia. These songs are characterized by their simple, repetitive melodies and often feature a single melodic line accompanied by a drone or simple harmonic accompaniment. The name *szárúak* translates to "dry" or "plain," reflecting their minimalistic musical structure and lack of complex ornamentation.

The genre emerged among rural communities, where songs were traditionally passed down orally through generations. *Szárúak* are typically sung a cappella, with lyrics that often depict themes of nature, work, love, and social life. Their melodic style is closely tied to the modal scales of Hungarian folk music, particularly the *frig* (Phrygian) and *dor* (Dorian) modes. The simplicity of these songs allows for easy memorization and performance, making them a staple of Hungarian folk traditions.

In the 20th century, scholars and musicians, including Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály, collected and studied *szárúak*, contributing to their preservation and integration into classical and contemporary music. Today, they remain an important part of Hungarian cultural heritage, performed at folk festivals and recorded by various artists. Their enduring popularity reflects their deep connection to the region’s musical and historical identity.