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 is the music of the Romani people. 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. Some Roma use and embrace this term while others consider it to be derogatory or an ethnic slur.

Historically nomadic, 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 Indian, Persian, Armenian, Turkish, Balkan, German and French music.

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.

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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