The Context of Interpretations of the Folklore Assemblies of Ethnic Cultures

The aim of the article is to analyse how the inclusion of folk culture to national identity influences interpretations of folklore in the movement of Lithuanian folklore ensembles. From Lithuanian academic texts and publications in press intended for specialists of folklore ensembles, the author discusses the revival of ethnic music as an expression of national identity; analyses how the revival of ethnic music is perceived in discourses of scholars who include folklore in Lithuanian national identity; reviews interpretations of folklore ensembles as representative of alternative notions of folk culture and their evaluation. Lithuanian national discourses and the alternative practices of the ethnic music revival perceive the aim of the revival and many important concepts (authenticity, tradition, etc.) differently. Folklore interpretations and their conflicts in the Lithuanian movement of folklore ensembles depend on changing views of national identity.