Discover Moldavian Folk Music

Discover Moldavian Folk Music offers a unique opportunity to hear traditional music from one of Europe’s least known countries.

What is Moldavian Folk Music?

Moldavian Folk Music is the traditional music of the Moldavian people, who are situated in Eastern Europe. The music is characterized by its use of kaval (a type of flute), violins and double bass, as well as its passionate lyrics.

The genre began to develop in the early 19th century, when the first professional Moldavian folk musicians appeared. These musicians would often perform at weddings and other celebrations, playing a mix of traditional Moldavian tunes and popular songs from other parts of Europe.

The 20th century saw a further development of Moldavian folk music, with the rise of professional ensembles and the release of numerous recordings. Today, the music continues to be popular both in Moldavia and abroad, with many people enjoying its lively melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

The Origins of Moldavian Folk Music

Moldavian folk music has its origins in the medieval period. In the 13th century, the Principality of Moldavia was established. This principality was located in what is now Romania and Moldova. The people of this principality were of Slavic origin and they spoke the Moldavian dialect of the Romanian language. Their music was influenced by the music of their neighbors, the Poles and the Hungarians.

The Dniester River Valley

Moldavian folk music is steeped in the history and culture of the Dniester River Valley. This region is located in present-day Moldova and Ukraine, and was once part of the Principality of Moldavia. The music of this region is characterized by its use of the minor key, complex rhythms, and emotionally expressive lyrics.

Moldavian folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the centuries. Early influences included Byzantine church music and the music of the Mongol nomads who invaded the region in the 13th century. In later centuries, Moldavian folk music was influenced by the music of Poland, Romania, and Russia.

Today, Moldavian folk music continues to be an important part of the cultural identity of the people who live in the Dniester River Valley. It is often performed at weddings and other special occasions, and is also a popular form of entertainment at local restaurants and clubs. If you’re ever in Moldova or Ukraine, be sure to check out some of this fascinating and unique music for yourself!

The Carpathian Mountains

Moldavian folk music is characterized by its strong vocal and instrumental traditions. It is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, and its popularity has been growing in recent years.

The music of Moldova has its roots in the country’s history and geography. The Carpathian Mountains, which run through Moldova, have long been home to a variety of folk music traditions. These mountains were also the site of a famous 16th-century battle between the Ottoman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which left a lasting mark on the region’s music.

Today, Moldavian folk music is still very much alive and well. The country’s traditional instruments include the flute, accordion, violin, double bass, and cimbalom (a type of hammered dulcimer). Folk songs often make use of minor keys and unusual time signatures, giving them a unique sound that is distinctly Moldavian.

The steppe

Moldavian folk music is a reflection of the country’s history and geography. Situated on the eastern edge of Europe, Moldavia has been influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. Moldavia is bordered by the Carpathian Mountains to the west, the Black Sea to the east, andUkraine to the north and east. The region’s climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters.

The steppe, a grassland biome, covers much of southern Moldavia. This area is home to a large number of nomadic peoples, who have traditionally been herders and horsemen. The music of the steppe is characterized by its use of horsehair string instruments, such as the kobza and țambal, as well as by its many folk songs about horses.

The mountains were historically home to a smaller number of people than the steppe, but their music is no less important. The mountain settlements were often isolated from each other, and so each developed its own musical traditions. The most important instruments in mountain music are the wooden flute (known as the nai) and the kaval, a type of horn made from a hollowed-out tree trunk.

The Instruments of Moldavian Folk Music

Many folk music traditions have roots in the cultural and historical background of a nation. The music of Moldova is no exception. The country’s rich history and culture have produced a unique form of folk music that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the nai, flute, and accordion.

The flute

Moldavian flutes are generally made of wood, though other materials such as bone and horn are also used. They have a wide range of sizes, from the small sopilă (a type of recorder) to the large treiţe (a type of flute). Folk flutes are often decorated with carved figures, painted designs, or inlaid mother-of-pearl.

The violin

The violin is the most popular instrument in Moldavian folk music. It is used to play the melody, as well as to provide accompaniment for other instruments. The violin is held under the chin and played with a bow. It has four strings, which are tuned in fifths (G, D, A, E).

The viola is another string instrument that is similar to the violin, but it is somewhat larger and has a lower pitch. The viola is also held under the chin and played with a bow. It has four strings, which are tuned in fifths (C, G, D, A).

The cello is a large string instrument that is held between the legs and played with a bow. It has four strings, which are tuned in fourths (C, G, D, A). The cello provides a deep, rich sound that adds depth and emotion to the music.

The double bass is the largest string instrument. It is also held between the legs and played with a bow. It has four strings, which are tuned in fourths (E1, A1, D2 G2). The double bass provides a powerful bass sound that helps to anchor the other instruments and give the music its rhythmic foundation.

The accordion

The accordion is a Moldavian folk music instrument of the box-type wind instrument family. It is usually played with one hand on the keyboard and the other on a hand-operated bellows. Theaccordion is found in various sizes, from small ones the size of a harmonica to large ones that can be as big as a piano.

The Characteristics of Moldavian Folk Music

Moldavian folk music is characterized by its slow tempo and fragile sound. The music is often longing and nostalgia-evoking, and is frequently played on the flute or violin. Other instruments used in Moldavian folk music include the zither, accordion, and contrabass. The music often features a minor key and utilizes the pentatonic scale.

Melodies

Moldavian folk music is known for its emotional melodies, often containing minor seconds, major sevenths and ninths. The overall sound is pentatonic, with a Hessian left-hand feel (the root and fifth being on the downbeats). Melodies may be sung by a solo voice or two (in harmony), or played on the pipes (nihai, fluier, sirba).

Rhythms

Moldavian folk music includes a variety of different styles and genres, with a wide range of instruments used. The most typical instruments used are the flute, violin, taragot, accordion, button accordion, double bass, drums and cymbals.

The rhythms used in Moldavian folk music are varied, with some songs having a very simple meter while others are more complex. The more complex rhythms are often based on traditional dance rhythms, such as the Flamenco.

Forms

Moldavian folk music has many forms, including lăutari music, a type of Gypsy music played by lăutari (professional musicians) either in ensembles or individually; Doina, a deeply personal and lyrical lament sung solo; and joc (dance), which includes both vocal and instrumental pieces. The joc is performed either in a circle (horă) or in pairs (cântec de leagăn).

The Influence of Moldavian Folk Music

Moldavian folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. This type of music is very unique and has a very strong influence on the Moldovan culture.

On other Folk Music Traditions

Moldavian folk music has had a significant influence on other folk music traditions. The most notable examples are Romanian and Gypsy music.

Moldavian folk music is characterized by its use of minor scales, frequent use of chromaticism, and sometimes unusual modulations. These features are thought to have been influenced by Eastern European church music, which was in turn influenced by Byzantine and Ottoman court music.

The Moldavian folk music repertoire is very diverse, including songs for work, ceremonial occasions, love, and death. Many of these songs are very old, dating back to the 16th century or earlier.

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Moldavian folk music, both inside the country and abroad. This has led to a new appreciation for the genre and a renewed interest in its preservation and promotion.

On Classical Music

Though it is widely known that Johann Sebastian Bach was influenced by the music of Antonio Vivaldi, fewer people are aware of the influence that Moldavian folk music had on Bach’s work. It is believed that Bach became interested in the music of Moldavia after hearing a band of Moldavian musicians play at a wedding in 1717. The complex rhythms and intricate melodic lines of Moldavian folk music would go on to have a profound impact on Bach’s compositional style.

One of the most striking features of Moldavian folk music is its use of asymmetrical rhythms. These irregular rhythms are often created by combining elements from different folk dances, resulting in a highly syncopated sound. This syncopation is an important characteristic of Bach’s music, and can be seen in some of his most famous works, such as the “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5.”

In addition to its complex rhythms, Moldavian folk music is also characterized by its use of microtones, or intervals smaller than a semitone. These microtones give the music a distinctive “haunting” sound, which can be heard in Bach’s “Air on the G String.” It is believed that Bach became interested in microtones after hearing Moldavian musicians play their instruments with unusual tunings. This new way of thinking about tuning would lead to some of Bach’s most innovative and forward-thinking compositions.

The influence of Moldavian folk music on Bach’s work is evident not only in his choice of rhythm and harmony, but also in his use of melody and form. Many of Bach’s melodies show the influence of Moldavian folk tunes, and his compositions often incorporate elements from Moldavian dances. The form of Bach’s “Musical Offering” was directly inspired by a traditional Moldavian musical form known as the hora.

The impact that Moldavian folk music had on Johann Sebastian Bach was significant and far-reaching. It not only influenced his compositional style, but also led him to experiment with new tunings and explore alternate forms of musical expression. For these reasons, it is safe to say that without Moldavia, the history of Western classical music would have been very different indeed.