Romani music

2025-08-03T21:53:42Z

2A04:4A43:870F:F4BC:90F:75B5:F671:CFAD:

{{Short description|Music of the Romani people}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{image frame|content={{multiple image |border = infobox | total_width = 300 | perrow = 2
|image1= Romany musicians.jpg
|image2= Gypsy with a Mandolin by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, 1874, oil on canvas - Museu de Arte de São Paulo - DSC07308.jpg
}}|caption= Romani musicians at a wedding in the Czech Republic in 2005 (left), Romani musician in France in 1874 painted by [[Camille Corot]] (right)|mode=|width=300}}
{{Romani people}}
'''Romani music''' is the music of the [[Romani people]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8W2AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA268|title=Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century|page=268}}</ref>
In the English language, Romani people have long been known by the [[exonym]] '''Gypsies''' or '''Gipsies''' and this remains the most common English term for the group.<ref name="OED">"Now sometimes considered derogatory or offensive, the term Gypsy has been steadily replaced in official contexts by Romani or (in plural) Roma. Nevertheless, Gypsy remains the most widely used term for this group among English-speakers." “Gypsy, N. & Adj.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, December 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1201363216.</ref> Some Roma use and embrace this term while others consider it to be derogatory or an [[ethnic slur]].<ref name="OED"/><ref>{{cite book|first=Tom |last=Dalzell|title=The new Partridge dictionary of slang and unconventional English|year=2007|publisher=Routledge|location=London [u.a.]|isbn=978-0415259378|page=943|edition=Reprint.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Merriam-Webster's pocket guide to English usage.|year=1998|publisher=Merriam-Webster|location=Springfield, MA|isbn=0877795142|page=[https://archive.org/details/merriamwebstersp00merr/page/178 178]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/merriamwebstersp00merr/page/178}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Garner|first=Bryan A.|title=Garner's modern American usage|year=2009|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0195382754|page=405|edition=3rd}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Baskin|first=[by] H.E. Wedeck with the assistance of Wade|title=Dictionary of gypsy life and lore|publisher=Philosophical Library|location=New York|isbn=0806529857}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Garner|first=Bryan A.|title=A dictionary of modern legal usage|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York|isbn=0195384202|page=400|edition=3rd}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Guido |last=Bolaffi|title=Dictionary of race, ethnicity and culture|year=2002|publisher=Sage|location=London|isbn=0761969004|page=291|edition=1. publ., [Nachdr.].}}</ref>

Historically [[nomad]]ic, though now largely settled, the Romani people have long acted as entertainers and tradesmen in [[Europe]]. In many of the places Romani live they have become known as musicians. The wide distances travelled have introduced elements from [[Music of India|Indian]], [[Persian traditional music|Persian]], [[Music of Armenia|Armenian]], [[Music of Turkey|Turkish]], [[Balkan music|Balkan]], [[Germany|German]] and [[French language|French]] music.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ml_CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT20|title=Gypsies of the White Mountains: History of a Nomadic Culture|first=Bruce D. Heald|last=PhD|date=27 November 2012|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-1-61423-804-1 |accessdate=4 December 2023|via=Google Books}}</ref>

It is difficult to define the parameters of a unified Romani musical style, as there are differences in melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and formal structures from region to region. Lyrics to Romani songs may incorporate one or more dialects of the [[Romani language]], and dance frequently accompanies Romani music performance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://romanimusic.tumblr.com/whatisromanimusic|title=What is Romani music?|newspaper=Tumblr|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref>

The quintessentially Spanish [[flamenco]] is to a very large extent the music (and dance, or indeed the culture) of the Romani people of [[Andalusia]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9TuKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1850|title=The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Music and Culture|first=Janet|last=Sturman|year=2019|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-1-4833-1774-8 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
==Romani folk music==
Romani [[folk music]], a style based solely on Romani musical traditions and not on the traditions of the country in which they reside, is relatively rare. It is mainly vocal and consists of slow plaintive songs and fast melodies which may be accompanied by dancing. The fast melodies are accompanied with tongue-clacking, [[Clapping|hand-clapping]], mouth-basses, clicking of wooden [[Spoon (musical instrument)|spoons]] and other techniques.<ref>''Zigeunermusik'', Balint Sarosi, Budapest 1970, in English, German and Hungarian edition, see chapter 3</ref> Romani folk music in the Balkans typically incorporates, or is sung entirely in, the Romani language. In some other countries however, knowledge and use of the language has diminished significantly over the centuries, with many Romani people not speaking any [[Romanes]].<ref>Wilkinson, I.K. (2009). Gypsy music. Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Racova |first=Anna |date=2017 |title=ON THE VITALITY AND ENDANGERMENT OF THE ROMANI LANGUAGE IN SLOVAKIA |url=https://www.sav.sk/journals/uploads/1205104102_Racova_Samko_P.pdf |website=Slovak Academy of Sciences |format=PDF}}</ref>

There are five main components found in Romani folk music. The first is the use of three voices or parts: the melodic line, the terce and the quint, either through vocalization or instruments. The second is syncopation, where the music starts right after a beat while maintaining a consistent rhythm. The third is having the music played in different phrases, meaning that the entrance and exit of different musical themes are felt at different times throughout a song either through rhythm or instruments. The fourth is harmony, where a minor key center is often used instead of a major one. The last is singing, where natural vocal abilities are emphasized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rroma.org/en/rroma-music/|title=Rroma MusicDie Musik der RromaLa Musique des Rroma|website=Rroma.org|access-date=23 December 2017}}</ref>

Due to various events and developments, performance became less emphasized amongst non-Romani populations in parts of Europe, and was sometimes prohibited. As a result, Romani minorities in these countries began to take professional entertainment spots, and performed at events such as weddings, baptisms, funerals and circumcisions.

As the Romani people do not have a nation state (''[[Romanistan]]''), they were often forced to create their own living spaces within the countries they settled. Musical traditions from the countries where they lived were incorporated into their own music such as instruments, languages and subject matter of the music itself.

==Country-related music==
Most Romani music is built upon certain folk music traditions of the countries where they have migrated through or settled. Local music is adopted and performed – usually instrumental – and, slowly, it is transformed into Romani styles, which are usually more complex than the original styles. In its turn, Romani music has greatly influenced the local music.

This regional aspect of Romani music is vividly expressed in the documentary ''[[Latcho Drom]]'', which follows Romani music from Northern India through Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and France, ending in Spain.<ref>{{IMDb title|qid=Q1806817|id=tt0107376}}</ref>

===Balkans===
Popular styles of Romani music within the Balkans include [[Tallava]] and [[Manele]]. Tallava was formed by the Romani minority in [[Kosovo]] in the 1990s.{{sfn|Samson|2013|p=79}} The genre of Tallava was later adopted among the Ashkali group. Tallava is common in Albania. Manele originated from the Roma minority in [[Romania]] who came from [[Istanbul]] . Played by Roma musicians ([[Lăutari]]) during late 18th to early 19th century. This genre has influences from other music genres such as Greek (Laïko, Arabesque Pop [some heavy duty variety called Skiladiko]) and Bulgarian ([[Chalga]]). It also blended with Turkish ([[Arabesque]]), Arabic ([[Arabic pop music]]), Serbian ([[Turbo-folk]]) and [[Albanian music]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WKc0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA768|title=Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, Volume 11}}</ref>

====Bulgaria====
Due to the significant [[Roma in Bulgaria|Romani population]] in Bulgaria, this ethnic group's music is very popular in the country. ''Chalgamata'' music is also played by Romani musicians in Bulgaria.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lw-Byail0EkC&dq=gypsy+music+bulgaria+Chalga&pg=PA163|title=Romani Routes: Cultural Politics and Balkan Music in Diaspora|first=Carol|last=Silverman|date=24 May 2012|publisher=OUP USA|isbn=978-0-19-530094-9 |accessdate=4 December 2023|via=Google Books}}</ref>

====Hungary====
[[File:Czinka Panna cigányprímás.jpg|thumb|[[Panna Cinka]]]]

The Rajkó Orchestra and Folk Ensemble is known for preserving Romani music, dance and costume culture in Hungary since 1952. Their work carries on the traditions of century-old generations. Their performances can be seen at a number of venues, among others at the Danube Palace<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotohungary.net/index.php?progid=FOLKLORE&lang=en|title=Programs in Budapest|website=Gotohungary.net|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref> of Budapest during the season between 1 May and 31 October.

Traditionally there are two types of Romani music: one rendered for non-Romani audiences (sung in Hungarian), and the other, rendered for Romani audiences (typically sung in Romani). The music performed for outsiders is known as "Gypsy music". They call the music they play among themselves "folk music".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rombase.uni-graz.at/cgi-bin/art.cgi?src=data/music/countries/hungary.en.xml|title=The music of the Roma in Hungary [Rombase]|website=rombase.uni-graz.at|access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref>

In the early 19th century, Romani musicians came to the forefront of national music. During the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1848]] in Hungary, Romani bands played their music for soldiers before and after the battle to encourage and entertain them. After the loss of the war, these musicians gained a lot of respect from the country. Romani music became a symbol of desired freedom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sulinet.hu/oroksegtar/data/magyarorszagi_nemzetisegek/romak/cigany_irodalmi_arckepcsarnok_1/pages/010_csemer_geza.htm|title=Csemer Géza: Fejezetek a magyar cigányzene történetéből|website=www.sulinet.hu|access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref>

====Romania====
[[File:PENNELL(1893) p235 - THE WANDERING MUSICANS IN THE WINE-GARDENS.jpg|thumbnail|Wandering musicians in the wine gardens of Transylvania (Pennell, 1893)]]
The ''[[Lăutari]]'' were traditional Romani musicians, playing at various events (weddings, funerals, etc.)<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0rG_DAAAQBAJ&pg=PR26|title=Manele in Romania: Cultural Expression and Social Meaning in Balkan Popular Music}}</ref>

The ''[[manele]]'' genre which is very popular in Romania is performed by [[Music of Romania|Romanian musicians]] and Romani musicians.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WKc0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA481|title=Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, Volume 11}}</ref> It is thought to have developed amongst Romani people who migrated from [[East Thrace]], carrying oriental influences. It is generally thought of as lower class due to being associated with the Roma.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E6FYiC_XjgoC&pg=PA116|title=Balkan Popular Culture and the Ottoman Ecumene: Music, Image, and Regional Political Discourse}}</ref>

====Serbia====
Romani musical styles spread through Serbia during the Ottoman period.<ref>{{cite book | last=Koskoff | first=E. | title=The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|volume=1| publisher=Routledge| year=2008 | isbn=978-0-415-99403-3 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Utpc5-zDBqAC&pg=PA472| page=472|location=New York; London}}</ref>

====Turkey (East Thrace)====
Roma in Turkey, concentrated in [[European Turkey]], are known for their musicianship. Their urban music brought echoes of classical [[Music of Turkey|Turkish music]] to the public via the ''[[meyhane]]'' or ''[[taverna]]''. This type of ''fasıl'' music (a style, not to be confused with the [[fasıl]] form of classical Turkish music) coupled with food and alcoholic beverages is often associated with the [[underclass]] of Turkish society, though it also can be found in more "respectable" establishments in modern times.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FB03DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT119|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Middle East}}</ref>

Roma have also influenced the fasıl itself. Played in music halls, the dance music (''oyun havası'') required at the end of each fasıl has been incorporated with Ottoman ''rakkas'' or [[belly dancing]] motifs. The rhythmic [[ostinato]] accompanying the instrumental improvisation (''ritimli taksim'') for the belly-dance parallels that of the classical ''[[gazel]]'', a vocal improvisation in free rhythm with rhythmic accompaniment. Popular musical instruments in this kind of fasıl are the clarinet, violin, [[Kanun (Instrument)|kanun]] and [[darbuka]]. Clarinetist [[Mustafa Kandıralı]] is a well known fasıl musician.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gyiTOcnb2yYC&dq=gypsy+music+turkey+fas%C4%B1l&pg=PA149|title=World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East|first1=Simon|last1=Broughton|first2=Mark|last2=Ellingham|first3=Richard|last3=Trillo|date=4 December 1999|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-85828-635-8 |accessdate=4 December 2023|via=Google Books}}</ref>

===France===
[[Gypsy jazz]] is popular in France, and was primarily innovated by Romani jazz guitarist and composer [[Django Reinhardt]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gh03DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT506|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: Europe|first1=Timothy|last1=Rice|first2=James|last2=Porter|first3=Chris|last3=Goertzen|date=25 September 2017|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-351-54426-9 |accessdate=14 December 2023|via=Google Books}}</ref>

===Spain===
The [[Calé]] Roma in Spain have contributed significantly to the [[Music of Andalusia|Andalusian musical tradition]] known as [[flamenco]]. The genre is often associated with Romani people as it developed amongst the Romani minority, although it is based upon folkloric music traditions of southern Spain. A number of famous flamenco artists are Romani.<ref >{{cite book | last=Piotrowska | first=A.G. | title=Gypsy Music in European Culture: From the Late Eighteenth to the Early Twentieth Centuries | publisher=Northeastern University Press| year=2013 | isbn=978-1-55553-838-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PHQiAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA81 | page=81}}</ref>

===Russia===
A choir in Russia was the [[Sokolovsky gypsy choir|Sokolovsky choir]].

In 1931, a public Romani theatre, [[Romen Theatre]], has been established in Moscow incorporating Romani music and dance into theatrical performances.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RHRdDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT155|title=Gypsy Music: The Balkans and Beyond}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra|Orchestra of the Hundred Gypsy Musicians]]
*[[Flamenco]]
*[[Gypsy jazz|Romani jazz]]
*[[Gypsy punk|Romani punk]]
*[[Prímás]]
*[[Lăutari]]
*[[Romani anthem]]
*[[Romani society and culture]]
*[[Pretty Loud]]
*[[Romani hip-hop|Romani hip hop]]
*[[Latcho Drom]]
*[[Hacha'a]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*Broughton, Simon, "Kings and Queens of the Road". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), ''World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East'', pp 146–158. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. {{ISBN|1-85828-636-0}}
*Balint Sarosi, "Zigeunermusik" (Gypsy music), Budapest 1970, in English, German, Hungarian
*{{cite book|last=Samson|first=Jim|title=Music in the Balkans|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yJ60SHL4R-0C&pg=PA75|year=2013|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-25038-3|pages=77–79}}

==External links==
* [https://romanimuzika.wordpress.com Romani muzika (blog)]
* [http://kolotoc.sk/en#/home The largest archive of Romani music on the Internet – 100,000 Romani songs]
* [http://www.transilvania-aktiv.de/gypsymusic.php Romani music live. A musical tour through Romania]

{{Romani topics}}
{{Music of Southeastern Europe (the Balkans)}}
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[[Category:Romani music| ]]

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Romani music