Romanian Gypsy Folk Music – A Brief History

Romanian Gypsy folk music is a genre of music that is widely known and appreciated. This article will provide a brief history of the music, as well as some of its most famous performers.

What is Romanian Gypsy Folk Music?

Romanian Gypsy folk music is a style of music that is typically fast-paced and lively. It often features intricate rhythms and melodies, and is heavily influenced by the Romani people’s traditional music. Romanian Gypsy folk music is most commonly heard in the country’s capital city of Bucharest, but it can also be found in other parts of Romania, as well as in other European countries where the Romani people have settled.

The History of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Gypsy music in Romania has its roots in the music of the Romani people, who are thought to have originated in India. The Romani people arrived in Europe in the 14th century, and they settled in various parts of the continent. Over time, the Romani people assimilated into the cultures of the countries they lived in, and their music began to reflect this influences. In Romania, gypsy music began to develop its own distinctive sound in the 18th century.

Romanian gypsy music is characterized by its use of minor scales and unusual time signatures. It is often fast-paced and energetic, and it often features intricate violin playing. Romanian gypsy music is also known for its use of improvisation.

Romanian gypsy folk music was popularized in the West by musicians such as Django Reinhardt and George Enescu. In recent years, it has been popularized by film scores such as “The Pianist” and “The Immigrant.”

The Instruments of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Romanian Gypsy folk music is characterized by its use of a wide range of instruments. The most popular instruments used in this genre of music include the violin, accordion, saxophone, flute, and guitar. The Romanian Gypsy folk music has its origins in the music of the Roma people, who are a nomadic group that originated in India. The Roma people arrived in Europe during the 14th century, and they have been living in Romania ever since. The Roma people have always been associated with music and dancing, and they have traditionally been known as “the people of the song.”

The instruments used in Romanian Gypsy folk music are largely derived from the traditional folk instruments of the Roma people. The most commonly used instrument in this genre of music is the violin, which is often played by Roma musicians. Other popular instruments used in Romanian Gypsy folk music include the accordion, saxophone, flute, and guitar.

The Styles of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Romanian Gypsy folk music is characterized by its use of major seventh chords, extended harmonic progressions, and lyrical melodies. The music is often improvised and uses a variety of unique instrumentation, including violins, accordions, guitars, and double bass.

There are three main styles of Romanian Gypsy folk music: lăutarească, manele, and taraf. Lăutarească is the most traditional style and is characterized by its use of major seventh chords and extended harmonies. Manele is a more modern style that uses a variety of instruments, including electric guitars and accordions. Taraf is the most contemporary style and is characterized by its use of improvisation and complex rhythmic patterns.

The Performers of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Roma people have been in Romania since the 13th century, and they have always been a marginalized population. One of the few ways they could make a living was through music and performance, so many Roma people became excellent musicians. The traditional music of the Roma people is called lăutarii music, and it is an important part of Romanian culture.

Lăutarii music is characterized by its use of improvisation, passionate lyrics, and fast rhythms. It is often played on violins, accordions, and guitars. The lyrics are usually about love, loss, and heartbreak, and they are sung in both Romani and Romanian.

Romanian Gypsy folk music gained popularity in the 20th century, thanks to the work of famous performers like Django Reinhardt and Sabrinasecu Marchian. However, Roma people have always been discriminated against in Romania, and this has made it difficult for them to gain recognition for their music. In recent years, there has been some effort to promote Romanian Gypsy folk music by cultural institutions and festivals, but there is still a long way to go.

The Legacy of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Romanian Gypsy folk music – also known as lăutarească or manele – is a widely popular genre that has its roots in the Roma communities of Romania. The music is known for its often sentimental or emotional lyrics, which are sung in a slow, droning style. While the genre has been criticised by some for its vulgarity and lewd lyrics, it remains one of the most popular music genres in Romania.

The origins of Romanian Gypsy folk music can be traced back to the early 19th century, when Roma musicians began to play a mix of Romanian folk songs and their own traditional music at local fairs and markets. The popularity of the genre exploded in the second half of the 20th century, with Roma musicians becoming stars in their own right and manele songs becoming hits on radio and TV.

While Romanian Gypsy folk music has been appropriated by mainstream pop culture, it still retains a strong connection to its Roma roots. Many of the genre’s biggest stars – including Nicolae Guta, Florin Salam and Ionut Maneluta – come from Roma backgrounds, and continue to sing about the struggles and joys of Romani life.

The Influence of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Romanian Gypsy folk music is an important part of the country’s musical heritage. The music has been influenced by a number of different cultures, including the Roma people, who have long been associated with Romania. Gypsy music often features fast-paced rhythms and is known for its lively, upbeat sound.

The Future of Romanian Gypsy Folk Music

Romanian Gypsy folk music is a genre that has seen a lot of changes in recent years. The Romanian government has been encouraging more traditional forms of the music, and there has been a revival of interest in the genre among younger generations. However, it remains to be seen how long this resurgence will last.

There are many different styles of Romanian Gypsy folk music, depending on the region where it is played. The most commonly known style is lăutari, which originated in Romania and spread to other parts of Europe, including Hungary and Bulgaria. Lăutari music is characterized by fast-paced rhythms and virtuosic playing.

Another popular style of Romanian Gypsy folk music is manele, which originated in the early 20th century. This style is often seen as more commercialized and less traditional than lăutari music. It typically features electronic instruments and includes a lot of pop elements.

Given the current state of Romanian Gypsy folk music, it is difficult to predict its future. However, it seems likely that the genre will continue to evolve and change as it has always done.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romanian Gypsy folk music is a genre that has been around for centuries and shows no signs of slowing down. It has evolved over time and continues to be popular among both Gypsies and non-Gypsies alike. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, this is definitely a genre worth checking out.

Bibliography

Lambert, W. M. (1995). Romanian gypsy music. Cambridge, Mass.: Distributed for the Musical Traditions label by Rounder Records.

Weiner, L. (1989). Romani music: the voice of the Gypsies. Boston: Northeastern University Press.