Traditional Romanian Folk Music- What You Need to Know

Romanian folk music is the traditional music of Romania. It is usually seen as the music of the rural peasantry and is known for its slow tempo and minor keys.

What is Romanian Folk Music?

Romanian Folk Music is the traditional music of Romania. It is often performed by folk bands and dancers, and has been influenced by a number of other genres, including Gypsy music, Russian music, and Turkish music. Romanian folk music includes a variety of different instruments, such as the violin, double bass, Accordion, saxophone, and flute.

Folk bands in Romania often play a mix of traditional folk songs and modern pop songs. Romanian folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the years, including the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and more recently, Western European countries such as France and Germany.

Romanian folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages in Romania, and is often performed at weddings, festive occasions, and community events.

The Origins of Romanian Folk Music

Romanian folk music is the traditional music of Romania. Folk songs are typically created anonymously and handed down from generation to generation. Romanian folk music has been influenced by the music of neighboring countries such as Hungary, Moldova, and Bulgaria, as well as by the Romani people who settled in Romania.

Some of the most popular Romanian folk songs include “Măi, măi săracul”, “Horaţiilor”, “Ochii tăi”, “Piftie de porc”, and “ide Șuiet”. traditional instruments used in Romanian folk music include the flute, violin, contrabass, double bass, hammered dulcimer, and cymbalom.

The Instruments Used in Romanian Folk Music

Traditional Romanian folk music is known for its wide variety of musical instruments. Some of the most commonly used instruments in Romanian folk music include the flute, bagpipe, cimbalom, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

The flute is perhaps the most iconic instrument associated with Romanian folk music. It is most often used in ensembles of two or more players, and its haunting sound is a key part of the traditional Romanian folk sound.

The bagpipe is another popular instrument in Romanian folk music. It is often used as a solo instrument, and its unique sound adds an element of mystery to many traditional Romanian folk songs.

The cimbalom is a type of hammered dulcimer that is commonly used in Romanian folk music. It has a distinctive sound that adds a lot of energy to traditional Romanian folk songs.

The violin, viola, cello, and double bass are all popular stringed instruments that are often used in Romanian folk music. These instruments add a lot of richness and depth to the sound of traditional Romanian folk songs.

The Different Styles of Romanian Folk Music

Romanian folk music is the traditional music of Romania. It is usually used to refer to music that is based on traditional melodies and rhythms, as well as music that has been influenced by Romanian folk music. There are many different styles of Romanian folk music, which can be divided into five main categories: lăutarii music, doina, epics, dances, and songs.

Lăutarii Music: Lăutarii music is a type of Romanian folk music that is played by lăutari, which are professional musicians who specialize in playing this type of music. Lăutarii music typically features a fast tempo and sharp rhythms, and is often accompanied by dancing.

Doina: Doina is a type of slow, mournful song that originated in the rural areas of Romania. Doina songs often tell stories of love, loss, and longing, and are typically sung by peasants or shepherds.

Epics: Epics are long narrative poems that were historically recited or sung by bards in Romania. Some famous epics include the Mioriţa (“The Little Sheep”) and the Ştirbu şi Vodă (“The Boar and the Duke”).

Dances: There are many different types of traditional Romanian dances, which vary depending on region. Some popular dances include the hora (a circle dance), the joc (a game dance), and the sârba (a solo dance).

Songs: Songs are an important part of Romanian folk music, and there are many different types of songs including love songs, work songs, drinking songs, and more.

The Popularity of Romanian Folk Music Today

Romanian folk music is currently undergoing a renaissance both in Romania and abroad. In recent years, traditional Romanian folk songs have been featured in international films and television shows, and Romanian folk bands have been gaining popularity in the music festival circuit. Even top pop stars like Madonna and Enrique Iglesias have been known to incorporate Romanian folk elements into their music.

So what is it about Romanian folk music that has made it so popular today? Part of the reason may be the fact that traditional Romanian folk music is steeped in history and culture. For centuries, Romanians have used music as a way to express their identity and heritage. Today, as the world becomes increasingly globalized, many people are longing for a connection to their roots. They are looking for music that is authentic and representative of a specific culture, rather than homogenized pop songs that can be heard anywhere in the world.

Another reason for the popularity of Romanian folk music may be the fact that it is simply beautiful. The best traditional Romanian folk songs are moving and emotionally stirring, with catchy melodies and beautiful lyrics. Romanian folk musicians are also highly skilled at creating unique sounding instruments and using them to create interesting new textures and sounds.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, or if you’re just curious about the popularity of Romanian folk music, be sure to check out some of the best traditional Romanian Folk songs. You’re sure to be impressed by the beauty and originality of this musical genre