Written by Sotiris Bekas
The term Lăutar, according to the DEX (“Dicționarul Explicativ al Limbii Române” – “Explanatory Dictionary of the Romanian Language”), derives from lăută (meaning “lute”) and the suffix -ar, which is commonly used in professional names. Initially, the word referred exclusively to Romanian rural musicians who played the lăută, but since the 17th century, the term lăutar has been used regardless of the instrument the musicians played. Thus, the word lăutar (plural: lăutari) represents a distinct class of musicians and is closely tied to lăută, the Romanian word for the lute.
Lăutari are renowned for their exceptional technique, virtuosity, and improvisational skills, and they typically perform in ensembles known as taraf. Traditionally, these folk musicians are invited to provide the musical backdrop for major social events, making them highly versatile and accustomed to performing in a wide range of venues, from restaurants to large concert halls.
One of the most distinguished representatives of this tradition is Marin Bunea, a highly popular musician in Moldova. He hails from northern Moldova, where he grew up immersed in the country’s folk music, and is one of the key keepers of this cultural heritage. A fifth-generation member of a historic family of lăutari from Baraboi-Edineț, he works as a violinist, conductor, arranger, and composer in the traditional style, both in Moldova and abroad.
Marin Bunea has performed in concerts and tours with traditional music ensembles in more than 20 countries, including Romania, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey, the United States, and Canada.
Folkradio.gr is honored to host Mr. Marin Bunea in an exclusive interview, where he shares his personal musical journey, discusses the tradition of the lăutari, and presents live examples of melodies from across Moldova.
