Romania: Between the Doina and the Lăutari

Romania does not have a single traditional sound. Across its historical regions, melodies, rhythms and performance practices developed in many forms. The doina became one of the most distinctive lyrical traditions: free in rhythm, intensely expressive and often connected with longing, solitude or reflection. Alongside village traditions, generations of lăutari developed a professional performance culture in which repertories travelled, changed and absorbed influences from different communities. Instruments such as the nai and cobza became recognizable parts of this musical landscape. This is only the beginning of the EchoMondo journey through Romania: from region to region, from archive to stage, and from traditional sound to contemporary creation.