Romani music

Romani musicians at a wedding in the Czech Republic in 2005 (left), Romani musician in France in 1874 painted by Camille Corot (right)

Romani music (often referred to as Gypsy or Gipsy music, which is often considered a derogatory term) is the music of the Romani people, an ethnic-minority group concentrated in parts of Europe.

Historically nomadic, though now largely settled, the Romani people have long acted as entertainers and tradesmen. In many of the places Romani live they have become known as musicians. The wide distances travelled have introduced a multitude of influences of: French, German, Greek, Indian, Persian, Romanian, Slavic, Spanish and Turkish musical traditions.

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 often incorporate one or more dialects of the Romani language, and dance frequently accompanies Romani music performance.

The quintessentially Spanish flamenco is to a very large extent the music (and dance, or indeed the culture) of the Romani people of Andalusia.

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