Abstract. The paper examines the original vocal performing characteristics of Cossack
folk songs of the life cycle devoted to various topics. The author of the paper illustrates a
number of the most important correspondences of vocal interpretation in the plot analysis of
folklore sources. When assessing the embodiment of a song by a performer, the basic factor
is the worldview of the hero entering into historical, political, and everyday processes.
The identifi cation characteristics of performing can be traced in various thematic lines of
successive stages in the life of the song hero.
Keywords: Cossack songs of the life cycle, performance characteristics, nature of the hero’s experiences, folklore song
