Romany musicians
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Trains of Gypsy wagons have roamed Poland since the Middle Ages. Officially, their main occupation in the south of Poland was smithery and music. Vita brevis, ars longa: most of the Roma people have been compelled to settle, smithery sank into oblivion, but the music still remains the community’s living culture and pride. Today, when Gypsies are once again able to travel their endless routes, their music can be heard everywhere. And even though the violin is no longer popular in musicians’ hands, its wistful sound and frantic virtuosity conveys the archetypal soul of a Gypsy lifestyle.