Week 7

The Roma people's music are heavily centered upon the violin. In both scenes, the violin is a prominent instrument in their musical celebration. In the village, several men were playing the violin, and in unison, they played the same melody, over the accompaniment of the accordion, upright bass, an instrument that resembled their version of the hammer dulcimer, and their localized version of the day. Together, the villagers would collaborate together to produce a very joyous and momentous occasion coupled with delightful music where all the members of their village to dance to and celebrate. Their musical texture was that of homophony. There would be the rhythm, provided by the bass and miscellaneous percussion, the chord progression, provided by the accordion, and then the lead melody, provided by the violins and aerophone. Occasionally, individuals, or a pair consisting of a violin and flute, would break off from the group and perform via solo or duet. Improvisation, similar to the maqam or dastgah of Middle Eastern music can be traced.
In the scene at the train station, the musical makeup of this group was different than the villagers'. The violin, was also an important instrument though, which provided the key and backup for the vocals. However, there was only one violin, and the percussion consisted of two spoons played together by one individual of that group. There not as many instruments in the group, and singing was more prominent in this scene. It was interesting to see the little boy offer three coins to the man with the violin for him to play music. It displays the light in which the Roma people were often cast upon. Their society believed that in certain occasions, it was only okay for the "unclean" group of people to perform music. They were views as people you payed to for your entertainment. The group at the train station incorporated music into welcoming their distant relatives to their village after a long train ride.