Shall We Dance?

In the preceding post, you watched a video featuring only instrumental music. Compared to the "hora" music, it was more upbeat, and the video even had people dancing in it. This is because that type of music is meant for dancing. There are professional groups that perform more complex dances, but there are also less complex dances that guests at parties can enjoy. It's similar to ballroom dancing in that it can really be adjusted for every level of expertise. I've attached three videos below. The first one is a professional dance group from Banat that performs across the country as well as internationally. The next video is the amateur dance group I was a part of growing up. We performed at festivals throughout North America, but it was more of a social thing we did as a hobby. The final video is improvised dancing of guests at a party just having fun.

Video 1: "Ansamblul Timisul" (Translates to "Ensemble from Timisoara" - a city In the Banat region)

This video features a professional dance group. Many Romanian dances contain a suite of songs, with different types of steps and musical tempo to match. They usually start off slowly and gradually pick up speed. Some suites may contain dances that highlight the men or the women. This one has one that just features the men, but there are many dances where the women are the focal point. The dances generally end with a rapid series of turns and spins.



Video 2: The amateur Romanian dance group I was a part of
BEST TO START AROUND 1:00

This video also follows a similar pattern in that it starts off slowly and ends at a faster tempo. The men also have a "solo" part in this suite.





Video 3: Dancing at a party

Although not instrumental, this music is much more upbeat than the other music featuring vocalists so that people can dance to it. This is a "dans de doi" meant to be danced by a couple, but people can also choose to dance the steps in small groups. As you can see from the video, some dancers do more complex steps with twists and turns, while others stick to the basic steps.

The Taragot: Taking it Further

AsI mentioned before, the taragot is a key instrument in Romanian folklore music. I  have dedicated a post specifically to this instrument because it is not as well-known in the Western world as Western instruments such as the trumpet, saxophone, or violin. Because Romania is a European country though, Western instruments have a strong presence in the music because of the influence from neighbouring countries and because often people who play or have played folklore music may also participate in classical ensembles. I've attached several links which detail the history of the instrument and its importance in the context of Romanian culture. I have also attached a video which highlights the taragot.

Link: http://www.11thmuse.com/history.html

Link: http://www.11thmuse.com/taragot.html

Link: http://www.europeana.eu/portal/en/record/2048047/Athena_Plus_ProvidedCHO_Institutul_Na_ional_al_Patrimoniului_25E8F1C22AFF4F2EBE8B4F08F93A3E3C.html

Investigating the Instruments

So we took a look at the "hora" circle dance that party guests partake in, saw a few examples of the songs the "hora" would be danced to, and discussed the text and musical structure. Behind the vocalist's melody are several key instruments that can be found in most songs from the Banat area (and throughout Romania). These instruments don't just play in the "hora" dance songs, but also the partner dance songs and slower performance music. 

The saxophone is a very important instrument in many pieces, often featured in the melody

The trumpet is also an instrument that will be the melodic highlight of a piece

This is a taragot. It is of Hungarian origin actually, but was adopted in the Romanian folklore music culture. As this an instrument that is most unfamiliar to the Western culture, I will be discussing this instrument in more detail in a later post. 

As there aren't percussion instruments typically found in traditional music, the accordion usually serves the purpose of keeping the rhythm and adding body to the melodic instruments.  

The flute and violin are also featured in some pieces, but the instruments shown above are most prominent and widely used. Many of the instruments are also seen in Western classical music and are not native to Romania. As Romania is a European country, there was lots of influence from Western Euro music cultures. Additionally, many Romanian musicians who played the traditional music would be musically trained and also participate in classical orchestras.

Text: A Closer Look II

As I mentioned in the previous post, I will now be showcasing another piece to which the "hora" is often danced to. This one is by Nicoleta Voica, who similar to Petrica Moise, is widely admired by Romanians across the country and around the globe. Again, I have attached a recording of the song above, and the lyrics in Romanian and English are shown below.

Am crescut fecior si fata
Mis cu inima impacata (2x)
Ca mi-am lasat viata mea
Numa sa-i pot ajuta

Mi-am zbatut sa le fac bine
Ca asa e o mama pe lume (2x)
Le-am facut voiile toate
Nu le-am zis ca nu se poate

Ma uit la copii cum cresc
Si vad cum imbatranesc (2x)
Dar ii vad fericiti si bine
Si creste inima in mine

Fata canta ca si mine
Fecioru-mi samana bine (2x)
Tine-i doamne sanatosi
Si fa-le anii frumosi

De Li-i scris sa traga rau
Da mi-l doamne sa-i rabd eu (2x)
Lor sa le dai numa bine
Si apoi f ace-i vrea cu mine

Ei sunt bucuria mea
Pentru ei imi dau viata 

English

I raised a son and a daughter

My heart is at peace

I dedicate my life

to help them 

I've tried to do the best for them

because that's how every mother is

I've tried to make their wishes come true

Never telling them it's impossible 

I watch as my children grow

And I can see how I'm getting old

But I see them good and healthy

And my heart swells with happiness 

My daughter sings just like me

My son resembles me

God, keep them healthy

And keep their lives happy

If it's in their fate to carry struggles

God, give them to me to endure

Give them only good

And do what you want with me

They are my happiness

For them I'd give my life 

Text: A Closer Look

In the last post, you watched what the "hora" looks like in action. As mentioned before, a vocalist is common during the "hora", but you may be wondering what the lyrics mean. Over this post and the one following, I will be discussing two popular pieces from the Banat area. Petrica (Peter in English) Moise sings the first song. He is a well-known folklore singer and composer, with his music gaining popularity not only in Banat, but throughout the rest of Romania as well. He has toured throughout Europe and North America. The subject of the piece featured here is kind of an ode to Banat. Petrica Moise uses metaphors to express the pride he feels to be a Banatean (someone from Banat). I've attached a recording of the piece above and have included the lyrics in both Romanian and their English translation. As with most translations, it's hard to capture the true meaning behind the words because the literal translations don't always convey the true message the artist is trying to get across. As such, I will provide try my best to provide some clarity.

Iorgovan frumoasa floare
Banatule colt de soare
Eu cu tine ma falosesc
C-aici viata mi-o traiesc
Banatule colt de rai

In Banat eu m-am nascut
Aici am copilarit
Unde canta coltul ierbii
Si vin la izvoare cerbii
Banatule loc de dor

La noi nimeni nu-i batran
Sarbatori mandre se tin
Dumnezeu ne ocroteste
Si pamantul ne rodeste
Tara mea-i Banatul meu

Pe unde m-o dus norocul
Am purtat cu mine focul
Si pan’ am venit ‘napoi
Mi-o fost gandul tot la voi
Banatenii mei falosi

Bogatii din lumea mare
Toate-n viata-s trecatoare
Dar in inima mi-i sfant
Al Banatului pamant
Pana mor il port in gand


English
Lilac, a beautiful flower
Banat is the corner of the sun
With you, I am proud
Here I live my life
Banat, a piece of heaven

In Banat I was born
I grew up here
Where the grass sings
And deer come to the springs
Banat, a place I long for

In our country nobody is old
Celebrations are held proud
God protects us
And our land yields harvest
Banat, my country

Look where fortune took me
I carried with me fire
And until I came back
I was always thinking about you
Banat, my pride

Great riches of the world
All things in life are fleeting
But in my heart I still hold dear
the land of Banat
Until I die I will keep you in my thoughts

Although it's hard to tell from the English translation, the song consists of 5-line stanzas, with the first four being rhyming couplets. The last word in the first and second line rhyme, and as do the last words in the third and fourth line. The first four lines typically include a metaphor meant as a praise to Banat, while the fifth line concludes the paragraph by directly stating the affection the artist has bout the place. For example, in the first stanza, the artist compares Banat to a lovely lilac and a piece of the sun which both bring to mind a sense of pleasantness and beauty. Then the next two lines talk about the pride of living there, with the last line directly referring to Banat as "heaven". The rest of the song goes on in a similar fashion. In addition to being sung, this piece can also be recited as spoken-word poetry, and in fact, a lot of traditional Romanian songs like these are often inspired by or just sung versions of pre-written poems.

The "Hora"

As previously mentioned, the "hora" is a circle dance where participants are all dancing the same steps while holding hands. The music and choreography of the "hora" differs from culture to culture, and even in Romania, there are multiple variations of the "hora" depending on the region you find yourself in. As I'm focusing on the Banat region, I've attached a video of the typical "hora" that is performed. Even in Banat, there are several different variations on the similar theme that depend on which type of music is being played. One of the most common ones is the one depicted in the video below. For most "hora" dances, there is typically a vocalist that is leading the melody. They will usually perform on a stage if it is available, or in the middle of the circle where people are dancing. This allows people to both participate in the music trough the dance, as well as watch the vocalist's performance. 

Music in Context: A Romanian Wedding

In Romania, many people love to celebrate. As mentioned in the interview, the wedding is an especially joyous occasion, and typically, no expense is spared. There is lots of music, dancing, and of course Romanian plum brandy called tuica [ts-u-ee-ka]. As mentioned before, a common tradition after the wedding ceremony is dancing the "hora" dance when the newlyweds emerge from the church. I have attached a few photos that depict this tradition from a wedding of a close family friend from last summer. While this is a modern-day wedding, this tradition dates back hundreds of years

Newlyweds emerging from the church greeted by their guests 

Parents of the bride dancing the "hora" with all the guests

The taragot instrument (will be discussed in later posts)

Several of the musicians 

Traditional flask containing tuica 

Wedding guests enjoying the "hora" 

A Conversation with Simion Ciobanu

Mr. Ciobanu was born in Romania, and currently lives in Canada. He studied music in Romania and Canada and recently obtained a masters degree in music from the University of Toronto in Canada. Having an extensive background in classical music, he also has experience studying and performing traditional Romanian music. I was able to sit down with Mr. Ciobanu via video conference, where he provided some insights on Romanian folklore music. The interview introduces many important components involved in the music including performance, style, text, learning, instrumentation, etc. The upcoming series of posts will provide a more in-depth look at these elements.  (This interview is paraphrased)

What kind of occasions would merit dance music?

Any sort of celebration or festival. Weddings in particular are a very joyous occasion. As such, there is lots of music and dancing. Typically after the ceremony, the guests proceed outside of the church and partake in a dance called the "hora" which is led by the newlyweds and their godparents. Then, the newlyweds and guests continue the celebration by dancing until the early morning. Similar occasions of celebration include baptisms or anniversaries. 

You mentioned the "hora". Can you elaborate on that? 

The "hora" is a dance where  group of people dance together, usually forming a circle. Many cultures have a version of this. Even in Romania, the "hora" differs from region to region. There may be variations in the tempo of the music or the steps involved in the dance. 

The "hora" is one type of dance. What other types of dances are there?

One of the favourites is the "pas de doi" which translates to "dance for two". As the name suggests, this is danced in a couple, involving various combinations of footwork and turns. A sub-set of this is called the "invirtita" which roughly translates to "the spinning dance". This involves the male partner rapidly turning the female partner to the music. In this type of dance, the music typically has a 10:16 time signature and a very quick tempo. Typically, guests at a celebration would partake in this type of dancing, however as the culture modernizes, the traditional dancing isn't as much of a commonplace. As such, there are amateur and professional cultural groups that learn different types of dances in order to preserve the tradition. These are performed at various festivals, and may also be commissioned as entertainment for different celebrations. 

You talked about the time signature of the "invirtita" dance. What about the other types of dances? Can you discuss the technical elements of of music from Banat? 

Traditionally, the folklore music was not written down as sheet music you'd see today. However, typically, most of the music would fall under the 4:4 or 6:8 time signature. You'd very rarely find 3:4 time. The key signature for most dance pieces is D major. This is done to achieve a lively, energetic, and grand sound. Some pieces are also played in the Mixolydian mode. 

What would you say the most prominent instruments are in traditional Romanian music, specifically Banat? 

The instruments that will most often be found leading the melody are saxophone, trumpet, and taragot (to be discussed in separate post). These create the distinctive sound of the traditional music. Other instruments that may also be found are violin and flute. However historically, instruments that produce a fuller and louder sound (e.g. trumpet) were favoured for live performances such as weddings as their sound would naturally be more amplified. Percussion isn't often found in traditional music. Typically an accordion or organ will accompany the melody to provide harmony and are also used to keep the rhythm. 

You discussed the instruments that lead the melody of a piece, but can you discuss the role of singers?

Some pieces are just instrumentals, and others are led by a vocalist. Typically, instrumental pieces are more common for couples dance, as the tempo is quite fast and the focus is on the complex dance moves. Vocalists, both male and female, can be heard during a "hora" because although people are dancing, the steps repeat themselves, and the dancers can focus more on the singer. The vocalist won't just sing one song. They will usually keep the music going and switch to different songs that can be requested by the guests (a donation to the musicians is customary). 

What subjects are typical in the texts of the songs?

The topics can vary. There are songs about love, loss, family, country, etc. 

The region of Banat has been subject to influences from many different areas over the years. How has this impacted the music?

The region of Banat has had Serbian influences. The Serbian version of the "hora" is called the "kolo" which the people of Banat have also adopted in their repertoire over the years. This has led to the creation of another type of couples' dance called the "Serbian dance", which isn't of Serbian creation, but is has notable similarities to Serbian music. Additionally, there may be some Turkish influences found in some pieces by way of the harmonic minor found in traditional Turkish music. 

As mentioned above, this interview is meant as an introduction to topics that I will be discussing in more depth within the next few posts.

An Introduction

This blog is meant to serve as an archive of the research done in preparation for the HUMA1100 Case Study Research Paper (Fall 2016). I'll be posting content relating to all aspects of the dance music-culture in the Banat region of Romania including videos, photos, recordings, and interviews. Since there are many styles of traditional music originating from this region, including music for different occasions (funerary, artistic, sending soldiers off to war etc.), I will be specifically focusing on Romanian folklore dance music. Hope you enjoy!