Popular music and dance is the oldest form of
Romanian creation, characterized by a great
energy and is the source of cultural, secular and
religious music.
The Caluşari - It is an old dance of pre-Christian origin,
related to the old cult of the sun. The Calusarii perform magical
rituals, which revolve around the nut fruit tree, called caluş. In
their magical dance there is a moment in which one of the
performers is put to the ground with the nut tree flag. The dance
is performed during the Pentecost. It is said that they can take
people’s minds, and they can’t be cured by doctors but only by
the Caluşari Dance.
The dance of the girls from Capalna - it was discovered 75 years ago by
Stana Biris, in the village of Capalna in Transylvania. It was originally performed
by 70 girls, but today the group has only 26 girls. The girls are local unmarried
girls. The dance appeared during the summer holidays when girls and boys
were gathering to dance the hora. When they were tired the girls were
gathering in a dance, one singing and the next one dancing. The dance lasts for
seven minutes and is significant for the folowing of the Tarnava river.
Maria Tănase is considered the
greatest interpreter of Folk and
Romance music. She became
famous in 1938, when her first
songs were heard on the radio.
She received many awards and
was appreciated in the entire
world for her voice and
extraordinary songs.
In the second half of the 19th
century the Consevatory in
Bucharest was established and the
National School of Choral music
was developed. The first
Romanian names in opera music
became known.
HARICLEEA DARCLEE - (1860-
1939) studied music in Paris,
where she was discovered by the
composer Charles Gounod. She
was given the role of Margaret in
“Faustus”. She performed of the
greatest stages of the world:
Paris, St. Petersburg, Milan, New
York, and Berlin. Her voice
conquered the King of Portugal,
Don Carlos, who often sent her
love letters.
Ciprian Porumbescu (1853-1883) - Coming from a poor
family, he was unable to receive formal musical training.
With the help of his friends who saw the value of his talent,
he was able to go to Vienna where he continued his musical
studies. He composed Choral music and the first Romanian
Operetta,”Crai nou” (New Moon) in 1882.
Ateneul Roman (the Romanian Athenaeum) - is considered one of
the architectural jewels of Romania. The building was constructed with
the help of the public under the slogan “Give a penny for the
Athenaeum” starting in 1886. The plans of the building are in the Neo-
Classical style and were conceived by the architect Albert Galleron. The
showroom has 600 seats on the ground with an additional 52 in the
balcony. The interior is decorated with 25 painting depicting scenes from
Romanian history. It is considered the sanctuary of Romanian culture.
Oedip - Enescu’s masterpiece is a lyrical
tragedy in four acts, inspired by Sofocle’s
play. It was dedicated to his beautiful
wife, Princess Maruca Tescanu-Rosetti. The overwhelming personality of
The worldwide premier took place at the GEORGE ENESCU (1881-1955),
Opera Garnier in Paris, on May 13th, composer (Opera Oedip), conductor,
1936. In the season of 2010-2011, Oedip and interpreter, brought a universal
will be played for the second time on the dimension to Romanian music
same famous stage.
In the period between the two wars, the
Romanian school of music was present on the great
stages of the world through Dinu Lipatti and Sergiu
Celibidache.
Dinu Lipatti (1917-1950) He was a famous pianist, composer,
and educator. He became known in 1934, when he was awarded the
second prize at the International Contest of Piano in Vienna. Having
Leukemia, he was financially supported by Yehudi Menuhin and Igor
Strawinski. He is considered “an artist of Divine Spirituality”.
Gheorghe Zamfir - He is one of the greatest Romanian
artists, known for playing the panpipe, called the “King of
the Panpipe”. Expressing his artist mood through an almost
forgotten instrument, the panpipe, he has managed to
conquer the applause of the entire planet. He introduced
the panpipe in all musical styles and genres, revolutionizing
the sound at a universal scale.
The Madrigals - The most famous choral group in Romania,
known and appreciated in the entire world, was created in
1963 by the teacher Marin Constantin and a group of
students who loved music.
O-zone - The band formed by Dan, Arsenie and Radu,
made its debut in 2002. Very soon their music conquered
Romania and the world, becoming a “real madness” for all
the radios, T.V. stations and thousands of fans. The song
“Dragostea din tei” was a hit around the world.
“Cerbul de Aur “- The international festival which has become a
tradition, takes place in Piata Sfatului (Saint’s Square) in Brasov, every
year. It was first organized in 1968, and launched the careers many young
talents who achieved success. At the second edition in 1969 Spain was
represented by the young and talented Julio Iglesias who was loved by
the public.