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{{Culture of Romania}}
[[Romania]] has a multicultural music environment which includes active ethnic music scenes. Traditional Romanian [[folk music]] remains popular, and some folk musicians have come to national (and even international) fame.

== History ==
Folk music is the oldest form of Romanian musical creation, characterised by great vitality; it is the defining source of the cultured musical creation, both religious and lay. Conservation of Romanian folk music has been aided by a large and enduring audience, also by numerous performers who helped propagate and further develop the folk sound. One of them, [[Gheorghe Zamfir]], is famous throughout the world today and helped popularize a traditional Romanian folk instrument, the [[panpipes]].

The religious musical creation, born under the influence of [[Byzantine music]] adjusted to the intonations of the local folk music, saw a period of glory between the 15th and 17th centuries, when reputed schools of [[liturgical music]] developed within [[List of Romanian Orthodox monasteries|Romanian monasteries]]. Western influences brought about the introduction of polyphony in religious music in the 18th century, a genre developed by a series of Romanian composers in the 19th and 20th centuries.

== Traditional music ==
Traditional Romanian music reflects a confluence of sounds similar to Central European (Hungarian), East European (Ukrainian) as well as Balkan traditional music. In Romanian folk music, emphasis is on melody rather than percussion, with frequent use of the violin for melody. The melody itself and especially the melodic embellishments are reminiscent of music in the Balkans.
[[file:Cilindru_de_ceara_-_Romania.ogg|right|thumb|Traditional Romanian song featuring a [[taragot]].]]

===Banat===
In [[Banat]], the [[violin]] is the most common folk instrument, now played alongside imported [[woodwind instrument]]s; other instruments include the [[taragot]] (today often the [[saxophone]] plays the taragot role in bands). [[Efta Botoca]] is among the most renowned violinists from Banat.

===Bucovina===

[[Bucovina]] is a remote province and its traditions include some of the most ancient Romanian instruments, including the [[Telenka|țilincă]] and the [[cobza]]. Pipes (''fluieraș'' (small pipe) or ''fluier mare'' (large pipe)) are also played, usually with accompaniment by a cobza (more recently, the [[accordion]]). Violins and [[brass instrument]]s have been imported in modern times.

===Crișana===

[[Crişana|Crișana]] has an ancient tradition of using violins, often in duos. This format is also found in Transylvania but is an older tradition. [[Petrică Paşca|Petrică Pașca]] has recently helped popularize the [[taragot]] in the region. Also, in [[Roșia, Bihor|Roșia]] village are well known two local instruments: Hidede, a type of violin with a trumpet, replacing the resonance box and a type of drum called Dobă.

===Northern Dobrogea===

Dobrujan music is characterized by Balkan and Turkish rhythm and melodicism. [[Northern Dobruja|Dobrogea]]'s population is ethnically mixed and the music here has a heavier [[music of Turkey|Turkish]], [[music of Bulgaria|Bulgarian]], [[Tatar music|Tatar]] and Ukrainian import than in the rest of the country.

===Maramureș and Oaș===

The typical folk ensemble from [[Maramureş|Maramureș]] is [[zongora]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guitar and Zongora Regions of Romania |url=http://www.eliznik.org.uk/RomaniaMusic/zongora.htm}}</ref> and violin, often with drums. [[Maramureş|Maramureș]] is a remote province (like [[Bucovina]]) and its traditions include some of the most ancient Romanian instruments and [[Romanian peasant music|peasant music]]. Its music shares many features with [[Bucovina]]. Traditional flutes include the [[Telenka|țilincă]] and [[Fluierul Gemanat]] (similar to the Bulgarian [[Dvoyanka]]). Taragot, saxophones and accordions have more recently been introduced. Traditional singing in this region includes [[doina]].
<!--If anyone gets around to doing a referencing apparatus, http://www.eliznik.org.uk/RomaniaMusic/zongora.htm is a reference for zongora -->

In [[Oaş Country|Oaș]], a violin adapted to be shriller is used, accompanied by the [[zongora]]. The singing in this region is also unique, shrill with archaic melodic elements.

===Moldavia (Moldova)===
''See'': [[Music of Moldova]]

Violin and [[Cimbalom|țambal]] are the modern format most common in [[Moldavia]]n [[dance music]]. Prior to the 20th century, however, the violin was usually accompanied by the [[cobza]], which, although very rare, is still in use today.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centrulcreatieibt.ro/media/festivalul-tarafurilor-constantin-lupu-prima-editie.html|title=Festivalul tarafurilor "CONSTANTIN LUPU" – prima editie -|website=www.centrulcreatieibt.ro|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> Brass ensembles are now found in the central part of the county. [[Moldavia]] is also known for [[brass band]]s similar to those in [[Serbia]].

===Transylvania===
{{Main|Music of Transylvania}}
[[Transylvania]] has been historically and culturally more linked to Central European countries than [[Southeastern Europe]], and its music reflects those influences. The province is tied historically to the smaller western regions of [[Maramureș]], [[Crișana|Criana]] and [[Banat]] and they are often referred to collectively as [[Transylvania]].

[[Violin]], [[kontra]] and [[double bass]], sometimes with a [[cimbalom]], are the most integral ensemble unit. All these instruments are used to play a wide variety of songs, including numerous kinds of specific [[wedding music|wedding songs]].

[[Davul|Drum]], [[guitar]] and [[violin]] make up the typical band in [[Maramureş|Maramureș]] and virtuoso [[fiddle]]rs are also popular in the area. In the end of the 1990s, the [[Maramuzical]] [[music festival]] was organized to draw attention to the indigenous music of the area.

===Wallachia===

[[Wallachia]], consisting of [[Muntenia]] and [[Oltenia]], is home to the [[taraf (musical band)|taraf]] bands, which are perhaps the best-known expression of Romanian folk culture. Dances associated with tarafs include [[brâu]], [[geamparale]], [[sârbă]] and [[hora (dance)|hora]]. The [[fiddle]] leads the music, with the [[cimbalom]] and [[double bass]] accompanying it. The cobza, once widespread in the region, has been largely replaced by the cimbalom. Lyrics are often about heroes like the [[haidouks]]. [[Taraf de Haïdouks]] is an especially famous taraf and have achieved international attention since their 1988 debut with the [[record label|label]] [[Ocora]]. The Haidouks first attained visibility as [[lăutari]], traditional entertainers at weddings and other celebratory occasions.

===Oltenia===

[[Oltenia]]'s folk music and dance are similar to those in Muntenia. Violins and pipes are used, as are țambal and guitar, replacing the cobza as the rhythmic backing for tarafs. The [[cimpoi]] (bagpipe) is also popular in this region.

=== Muntenia ===
[[Muntenia]] has a diverse set of instrumentation. The flute (''fluier'' in Romanian) and violin are the traditional melodic element, but now [[clarinet]]s and accordions are more often used. Accordionists include the performers [[Vasile Pandelescu]] and [[Ilie Udilă]].

===Doina===

The most widespread form of [[Romania]]n [[folk music]] is the [[doina]]. Other styles of folk music include the ''[[bocet]]'' ("lament") and ''[[cântec batrânesc|cântec bătrânesc]]'' (traditional [[Epic poetry|epic]] [[ballad]]s; literally "song of the elders").

Doina is poetic and often melancholic, sometimes compared to the [[blues]] for that reason. Doinas are often played with a slow, free rhythm melody against a fast accompaniment pattern in fixed tempo, giving an overall feeling of rhythmic tension. [[Melody|Melodies]] are sometimes repeated in differing songs and typically follow a descending pattern.

Regional styles of doina:
*[[Ca pe luncă]] - found along the southern [[Danube]]
*[[De codru]] - ''codru'' means "forest"
*[[Hora lungă]] - means "long dance", from the region of [[Maramureş|Maramureș]], Transylvania
*[[Klezmer]] - originally played by [[Jew]]ish musicians from [[Bessarabia]] and [[Moldavia]]
*[[Oltului]] - found along the [[River Olt]]

Other styles of doina:
*[[Ca din tulnic]] - unique type in which the [[melody]] imitates a type of [[Bugle (instrument)|bugle]] called the [[tulnic]]
*[[Ciobanul]] - [[shepherd]]'s doina
*[[De dragoste]] - popular form, usually about love; ''dragoste'' means "love".
*[[De jale]] - mellow, mournful doina; ''jale'' means "grief".
*[[De leagăn]] - a [[lullaby]]; ''leagăn'' means "cradle".
*[[De pahar]] - drinking song; ''pahar'' means "drinking glass".
*[[Foaie verde]] - classical form; literally "green leaves".

=== Musical poems ===
A syncretic genre exists at the intersection of narrative structure, musical expression, ritual function, and dramatic progression. One of the most well-known examples is the archaic pastoral poem [[When the shepherd lost his sheep|''When the'']] [[When the shepherd lost his sheep|''shepherd lost his sheep'']].

== Classical music ==
[[File:Angela Gheorghiu as Floria Tosca at San Francisco Opera, November 2012.jpg|thumb|right|[[Angela Gheorghiu]] is one of the best-known Romanian [[soprano]]s]]

{{Main|List of Romanian composers}}
Notable Romanian composers of the 19th and 20th centuries include [[Ciprian Porumbescu]], [[Anton Pann]], [[Eduard Caudella]], [[Mihail Jora]], [[Dinu Lipatti]] and especially [[George Enescu]]. Also famous are the composer and conductor [[Sergiu Celibidache]] and [[Vladimir Cosma]].

The Australian composer [[Julian Cochran]] wrote works extensively titled ''Romanian Dances'' with a collection of piano works and six orchestral works, exemplifying affinity amongst classical composers with the Romanian folk music tradition outside of Romania.<ref>{{cite book|author=Stephen Pleskun|title=A Chronological History of Australian Composers and Their Compositions - Vol. 4|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|year=2012}}{{self-published source|date=December 2017}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|certain=yes|date=December 2017}}.

And from the second half of the 20th century by the Romanian [[spectralist|spectralism]] school: [[Ştefan Niculescu]], [[Horațiu Rădulescu]], [[Iancu Dumitrescu]], [[Octavian Nemescu]], [[Ana-Maria Avram]] and others.

== Jazz ==
{{Main|List of Romanian jazz musicians}}

Jazz has been imported in Romania as early as the interwar period, thanks to musicians such as [[Sergiu Malagamba]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centruistoric.ro/istoria-in-imagini/-Sergiu-Malagamba-/561 |title=Sergiu Malagamba - www.CentruIstoric.ro |website=www.centruistoric.ro |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130705171606/http://www.centruistoric.ro/istoria-in-imagini/-Sergiu-Malagamba-/561 |archive-date=5 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, jazz music was banned after World War II, with the arrival of the communist regime. The ban was dropped in 1964.

Promoted but not limited to Cornel Chiriac, jazz musicians and others such as [[Eugen Cicero|Eugen Ciceu]], helped establish the genre in Romania, initially promoted alongside "easy music". Vocalist [[Aura Urziceanu]] has performed in [[New York City]] in 1972 and toured extensively under the name Aura Rully.

Although restrained, jazz after 1989 still has cult following, with a number of festivals such as Gărâna International Jazz Festival. Contemporary jazz singers include [[Johnny Răducanu]], [[Anca Parghel]] and others. In recent years a few bands have emerged that make use of elements of [[nu-jazz]], [[trip hop]] and electronic music: [[Aievea]], [[Jazzadezz]], [[Norzeatic & Khidja]] and others.

== Popular music ==

===Rock===
Romanian rock music has a great history with an array of influences. During the 1980s, bands such as [[Iris (Romanian band)|Iris]], [[Phoenix (Romanian band)|Phoenix]], [[Celelalte Cuvinte]], [[Compact (band)|Compact]], [[Holograf]] or [[Cargo]] achieved popularity, with songs about love and friendship. Contemporary popular Romanian rock bands include [[Vița de Vie]], [[Robin And The Backstabbers]], Coma, [[Alternosfera]], [[Vama (band)|Vama]], [[Luna Amară]], [[The Kryptonite Sparks]], and [[Grimus]].

===Muzică uşoară românească===
The term could be translated literally as "Romanian Easy Music" and, in the most common sense, this music is synonym with "Muzică de stradă" (from French "estrade", which means "podium"), defining a branch of Pop music developed in Romania after [[World War II]], which appears generally in the form of easy danceable songs, made on arrangements, which are performed by orchestras (and lately pop bands), following a mix of the Soviet and Western pop music influences. This musical form shows many similarities with Western Popular music, as most songs could be defined as a form of [[Schlager]]. It supported influences from other similar melodic styles, like Musica leggera italiana (from Italy) and Canción Melódica (from Spain). This Romanian style of music was popularized abroad through the international [[Golden Stag Festival]], held in [[Brașov]], since 1968. The most representative singers of that era are those from the 1980s, 1970s and rarely, the 1960s: Aurelian Andreescu, Elena Cârstea, [[Corina Chiriac]], Mirabela Dauer, Stela Enache, Luigi Ionescu, Horia Moculescu, [[Margareta Pâslaru]], Angela Similea, [[Dan Spătaru]] and Aura Urziceanu.

===Romanţe===
Romanţă (plural: romanţe) is a vocal or instrumental musical piece, sung in a poetic and sentimental mood. It appears as an accessible and expressive melody, on the background of piano and guitar orchestral arrangements. It presents similarities to British music style "Easy Music". The history of Romanian romanţe can be traced back until the [[Interwar period]], when it became famous through the agency of the most popular Romanian singer of that time, Marin Teodorescu, who is better known as Zavaidoc. After [[World War II]], singers like [[Gică Petrescu]] integrated in this music orchestral elements, which are specific for Argentinian style, Tango Nuevo.

===Folclor Suburban===

==== Manele ====
[[Anton Pann]] had the first few transcriptions of a new style that was present in the suburbs of Bucharest in the 19th century. The new style flourished and grew, being promoted by ordinary musicians playing in [[suburbs]] called [[Mahala]]. This musical style combined the [[Balkan]] (many traditional folkloric genres, including Turkish) and [[Gypsy]] styles into a new style called [[Manele]]. After the [[Romanian Revolution]] in 1990, this genre was booming. A few contemporary bands that promoted the style are:

*Azur (vocalist: Nelu Vlad) - the first band to use electronic beats
*Albatros (vocalist: Iolanda Cristea a.k.a. Naste din Berceni)
*Generic (vocalist: Dan Ciotoi)
*Miracol C (vocalist: Cezar Duţu a.k.a. Cezărică)
*Odeon (vocalist: Costel Geambaşu)
*Real B (vocalist: Cristian Rizescu)
*Tomis Junior (from Galați)

Some modern manele singers, among others, are:
*Guță
*Florin Salam
*Vali Vijelie

==== Etno ====
Etno music is a popular Romanian style, which keeps most accurate the typical ethnic sound of Romanian traditional folk music. It is adapted to the modern sound of music, as employs frequently [[synthesizer]]s along with the typical traditional instruments. It emerged in the early 1990s as a revival of Romanian traditional folk music and maintained a constant popularity until nowadays. It has the largest audience through the fans of Romanian folk music and it is popularized, along with Romanian folk music, through the medium of Etno TV, a Romanian Television, dedicated mainly to Romanian folk music, especially the modern side of this music.

===Contemporary Romanian folk===
Acoustic Romanian style of music, inspired by American folk music, with sweet lyrics and played almost exclusively with guitar. Generally, it evokes a poetic and melancholic atmosphere. It emerged in the early 1960s, along with the first releases of Phoenix band. It was promoted later, through the medium of the [[Cenaclul Flacăra]], a cultural phenomenon from the 1970s and the first half of the 1980s, which was initiated by Adrian Păunescu, a Romanian poet. Many Romanian folk artists gain affirmation through the Cenaclul Flacăra movement: Mircea Vintilă, [[Vasile Șeicaru]], [[Florian Pittiș]], [[Valeriu Sterian]], [[Nicu Alifantis]], Alexandru Zărnescu, Victor Socaciu, Vasile Mardare.

== Rock music ==
From the early years of the communist regime (the 1960s) there was an active rock scene in Romania. Because of their free attitude which was associated with Western culture and the capitalist society, the communist regime censored rock musicians as much as possible.<ref>[http://www.artasunetelor.ro/Interviu_cu_Florin_OCHESCU.html Arta Sunetelor - Magazine - 2009-01-25 Article: Interview with Florin Ochescu (Reporter: Sorin Lupașcu)]
* ''Yes! There was Romanian rock before the '80s! There are many explanations for the lack of recordings ... including the fact that during this period the censorship operated oscillating ... when more severe when larger, I think this was a policy to keep the things under control, culturally at that time.'' {{in lang|ro}}</ref> From the beginning they had a "paria" social position. Symbols of the movement such as long hair, jeans, stage attitude were considered decadent. The bands operated under the name of "instrumental-vocal musical ensemble" to avoid the expression "rock", which was considered to be subversive.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140727162913/http://www.comunismulinromania.ro/Tineretea-noastra/Muzica-anilor-70-80.html History National Museum of Romania - Project "The Communism in Romania" - Article: Our youthfulness - The music of the '70s-'80s]
* ''Beyond the music and text, clothes and haircut distinguish the rockers from the rest of the population. Through this, young displayed openly a statement to the regime. On the other hand, the censorship gave way in the press only negative news about the rock (drug use, sexual promiscuity, violence). So it was that if you wanted to be on TV or in a more importantly concert, your hair had to be cut, you don't wag and, especially, to be clothed regulation: the uniform of the band was a popular shirt or suit. In any case you could not show up dressed in jeans and T-shirt. If you passed the test "suit" after that you had to argue on the repertoire, it was not allowed to sing in foreign languages or parts that the censorship don't like. There have been cases where censorship expressly requested to modify the words of some lyrics.'' {{in lang|ro}}</ref> Despite this, the rock scene resisted with consequence in a kind of "official underground" before the 1989 Revolution.<ref>[http://www.formula-as.ro/2004/598/lumea-romaneasca-24/iulian-vrabete-4688 Formula As - Magazine - 2004 Article: Interview with Iulian Vrabete (Reporter: Corina Pavel)]
* ''We appeared rarely on TV, because we had long hair and we had to collect it back with clips, to mask it. But the concerts were extraordinary and the world loved us unconditionally. Maybe where there were no other offers.'' {{in lang|ro}}</ref>

Veterans of the scene kept the rock spirit alive under difficult restrictive conditions.<ref>[http://adevarul.ro/life-style/stil-de-viata/cristi-minculescu-cantaret-am-avut-educatie-prusaca-1_50b9fb367c42d5a663adbd35/index.html Adevărul - Newspaper - 2012-06-14 Interview with Cristi Minculescu, singer (Reporter: Laurențiu Ungureanu)]
* ''It was, until '90, a struggle, a continual torment. With that chasing, with the censorship. But we can not arrogate credit for that time because we weren't the only ones in that situation.'' {{in lang|ro}}</ref> The connection with the "news" from the West was made within radio stations such "[[Radio Free Europe|Free Europe]]", which were disallowed. Rock was in these troubled times for its Romanian supporters more than music. It was attitude against the lack of freedom.<ref>[http://www.contributors.ro/cultura/in-memoriam-cornel-chiriac-un-neuitat-soldat-al-libertatii/ Contributors.ro - Project of the "Society Online" Association - 2012-05-10 Article: In Memoriam Cornel Chiriac an unforgettable soldier of liberty (Author: Vladimir Tismăneanu]
* ''Cornel Chiriac, the one who, first at "Radio Romania", then at the Radio "Free Europe" proved that rock music could undermine the petrified system, it can be an efficient form to contest the totalitarianism and the retrieval of dignity. He was one of the most prized radio journalists by the legendary Bernard Noel. He didn't just exceptional music programs, but organized true tribunes for freedom.'' {{in lang|ro}}</ref> Names with historical resonance for the Romanian rock movement include [[Phoenix (Romanian band)|Phoenix]], [[Sfinx (band)|Sfinx]], [[Roșu și Negru]], [[Mondial (band)|Mondial]], [[Sincron (Romanian Band)|Sincron]], [[Sideral (band)|Sideral]], [[Semnal M]], [[Metropol (Romanian Band)|Metropol]], [[FFN (band)|FFN]], [[Progresiv TM]], [[Pro Musica (band)|Pro Musica]], [[Catena (band)|Catena]], [[IRIS (Romanian band)|Iris]], [[Compact (Romanian Band)|Compact]], [[Holograf (Romanian Band)|Holograf]], [[Timpuri Noi]], [[Krypton (band)|Krypton]], [[Cargo (band)|Cargo]], [[Celelalte Cuvinte]], [[Post Scriptum (Romanian Band)|Post Scriptum]], [[Florian Pittiș]], [[Cornel Chiriac]], [[Dan Andrei Aldea]], [[Octave Octavian Teodorescu]], [[Sorin Chifiriuc]], [[Nicu Covaci]], [[Valeriu Sterian]], [[Mircea Baniciu]], [[Ovidiu Lipan]], [[Ilie Stepan]], [[Liviu Tudan]], [[Mircea Florian (musician)|Mircea Florian]], [[Dorin Liviu Zaharia]], [[Teo Peter]], [[Florin Ochescu]], [[Cristi Minculescu]], [[Dan Bittman]].

The political freedom and the cultural openness gained after the 1989 Revolution marked a new era for rock music in Romania. The scene is now very active, despite rock music not being one of the main acts in Romanian mass media. Rock clubs have a rich list of concerts. There are yearly organized great rock festivals with national and international character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.letsrock.ro/reviews.html?type=concert|title=Cronici concerte / evenimente|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref>

===Mainstream===
In the 1990s and the early 2000s, with the emergence of independent television and radio stations, the term easy music has been replaced by pop. Mainstream success is shared between early dance-pop bands such as [[A.S.I.A.]], [[Animal X (band)|Animal X]], Blondy, [[Body & Soul (band)|Body & Soul]], L.A., [[3rei Sud Est]] or [[Akcent]], pop-rock singers and bands such as [[Ștefan Bănică Jr.]], [[Holograf]], [[Bosquito]], [[Voltaj]] or [[VH2]], hip-hop outfits such as [[B.U.G. Mafia]], [[La Familia (rap group)|La Familia]], [[Paraziții]] or [[Ca$$a Loco]], Latino singers ([[Pepe (Romanian singer)|Pepe]]) and others (the electronic band [[Șuie Paparude]] and alternative rock bands such as [[Vama Veche (band)|Vama Veche]], [[Bere Gratis]], [[Sarmalele Reci]], [[Omul cu Sobolani|OCS]], Spitalul de Urgență, [[Zdob și Zdub]] or [[Luna Amară]] that are still popular, especially underground).

== Romanian popcorn music ==
{{See also|List of music released by Romanian artists that has charted in major music markets}}
With the exception of Moldavian-based band [[O-Zone]], Romanian Europop had not achieved considerable echoes outside the borders of the country until 2005, when the band [[Morandi (band)|Morandi]] reached success with songs written in [[English language|English]], [[Portuguese language|Brazilian-Portuguese]] and other languages. The music style of Morandi, [[DJ Project]], [[Fly Project]] and a few others marks the transitional period to the Romanian dance-pop of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Artists such as [[Edward Maya]], [[Vika Jigulina]], [[Alexandra Stan]], [[Andreea Bănică]], [[Smiley (singer)|Smiley]], [[Inna (singer)|Inna]], [[Andreea Bălan]], [[Antonia Iacobescu|Antonia]], [[David Deejay]], [[Play & Win]] and [[Radio Killer]] brought a new sound has emerged that has managed to achieve commercial success outside Romania and dominate the national TV and radio music charts. This new sound, nicknamed pejoratively by some "[[Popcorn (Romanian music style)|popcorn]]"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://forum.softpedia.com/topic/685878-ce-parere-aveti-despre-stilul-popcorn/|title=Ce parere aveti despre stilul POPCORN?|work=Forumul Softpedia|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref> after the name of one of its characteristic synths, is characterized by "shiny", danceable melodies, hooks sometimes based on synthesized accordion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/genre/Romanian+Dance-Pop/|title=Romanian Dance-Pop (aka Popcorn, Romanian Popcorn, Romanian Dance Music) - Music Genres - Rate Your Music|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref>{{deprecated source|certain=y|date=November 2024}} and simple lyrics written most often in English, accompanied by videos frequently featuring young women. "Popcorn" has been criticized by some as superficial (sometimes being even compared to [[Manele]]), overly commercial, repetitive and easily grating, as a large number of producers and performers have adopted this sound in a short period of time. However, since Romanian [[spectralism]] is virtually unknown outside the [[avant-garde music]] community, "popcorn" may be considered the first movement in the history of Romanian history to gain momentum.

== House music ==
An important influence on Romanian dance-pop was [[house music]], which gained so much following in clubs that, thanks to radio stations such as Pro FM, has attained mainstream status. [[Minimal house]] in the vein of [[Ricardo Villalobos]] has and is being produced by DJs such as [[Petre Inspirescu]], but vocal-based house continues to have more success. As of recently, [[dubstep]] has emerged alongside house music, although currently still underground.

===Underground music===
Pre-1989 underground bands include the new-wave band [[Rodion G.A.]] alongside older rock bands such as [[Celelalte Cuvinte]] and [[Semnal M]]. First [[electronic music]] attempts belong to composer [[Adrian Enescu]].

First represented by bands such as [[Vorbire Directă]] and [[R.A.C.L.A.]], hip-hop music has achieved quickly mainstream success with bands such as [[B.U.G. Mafia]], [[La Familia (rap group)|La Familia]] and [[Paraziții]], in spite of them being criticized for delivering explicit language and themes. The scene is currently split between mainstream rappers (Puya, [[Guess Who (rapper)|Guess Who]]) and underground rappers ([[Vexxatu Vexx]], [[CTC (band)|CTC]]., Haarp Cord). Labels dedicated to hip-hop include Hades Records, 20 CM Records and [[:ro:Facem Records|Facem Records]] (the first independent hip-hop label from Romania).

Rock scene is currently split between metal bands (such as [[Negură Bunget]] and Trooper), progressive and indie rock outfits ([[Byron (band)|byron]], Kumm, [[Robin and the Backstabbers]]). There are also other niches such as punk rock (E.M.I.L. Haos, Terror Art) or post-rock (Valerinne).

Underground electronic music scene has been until 2010 somewhat unified by the existence of the [[Timișoara]]-based festival TMBase, reuniting DJs and producers from genres such as [[drum and bass]], [[breakbeat]], [[dub techno]], [[electronic rock]] etc. A result of TMBase collaborations is the IDM outfit [[Makunouchi Bento]], who have attracted some attention with their [[Bandcamp]]-released material.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://makunouchibento.bandcamp.com/|title=Makunouchi Bento|date=29 December 2014|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref> Also notable is the label La Strada Music, which has been home to names such as [[Silent Strike]] (who has gained acclaim on the Internet and some radio stations with the single ''Astenie'' featuring [[Ada Milea]]), [[Yvat]] (a prolific [[Intelligent dance music|IDM]] producer of [[Belgium|Belgian]] origin, based in Bucharest), [[Electric Brother]], nu-jazz outfit [[Aievea]] and others.

[[Trip hop]] and [[post-rock]] have influenced a few bands such as [[Margento]], but [[dream pop]], [[shoegaze]] and other niche genres are poorly represented. [[Freak folk]] is partially known due to the success of singer-songwriter [[Ada Milea]], but is practiced by only a few other bands such as Nu & Apa Neagră. The producer [[Minus]] has attempted to introduce [[bitpop]] and, more recently, [[chillwave]].

[[Dubstep]] DJs have started to emerge, though with the genre has also been associated the band [[Rise Of Artificial|R.O.A.]], who have achieved some mainstream success thanks to the leader Junkyard, formerly vocalist in [[Șuie Paparude]].

== Music festivals ==
{{See also|:Category:Festivals in Romania}}

'''Jazz festivals'''
* Bucharest Masters of Jazz Festival - [[Bucharest]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mastersofjazz.ro/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621042025/http://www.mastersofjazz.ro/|archive-date=2015-06-21|title=Masters of Jazz Festival - Editia 2009|date=June 21, 2015}}</ref>
* [[EUROPAfest]], Bucharest - international festival - blues, jazz, pop, classic<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jmevents.ro/2010-Events-s16-en.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207003344/http://www.jmevents.ro/2010-Events-s16-en.htm|archive-date=2010-02-07|title=2010 Events|website=jmEvents.ro|date=February 7, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Gărâna Jazz Festival]] - Gărâna, Caraș-Severin<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.garana-jazz.ro/|title=Garana}}</ref>
* [[Jazzy Spring Festival Bucharest]], [[Bucharest]]
* Jazz and More, [[Sibiu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jazzandmore.ro/|title=Festivalul "JAZZ AND MORE" &#124;Sibiu 03-05 oct. 2014&#124; Jazz, improvised music, contemporary music, creative music, art rock, muzica electronica...|website=www.jazzandmore.ro}}</ref>
* Sibiu Jazz Festival - [[Sibiu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sibiujazz.ro/site/home|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107023826/http://sibiujazz.ro/site/home|archive-date=2013-01-07|title=Sibiu Jazz Festival|date=January 7, 2013}}</ref>
* Festivalul Internațional "Richard Oschanitzky", [[Iaşi]]
* Timișoara Jazz Festival - [[Timișoara]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timisoara-jazz.ro/|title=Home|website=www.timisoara-jazz.ro}}</ref>
* Transilvania Jazz Festival - [[Cluj-Napoca]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transilvaniajazzfestival.ro/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116125011/http://www.transilvaniajazzfestival.ro/ |archive-date=2013-11-16 |title=Website Disabled |access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* Jazz in the Park - [[Brașov]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jazzinthepark.ro/en/ |title=Archived copy |website=jazzinthepark.ro |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330052112/http://jazzinthepark.ro/en/ |archive-date=30 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Electronic Music'''
* [[Untold Festival]] - [[Cluj-Napoca]], [[Untold Festival]]
* [[Electric Castle]] - [[Cluj-Napoca]]
* AWAKE Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=https://awakefestival.ro/|title=Awake Festival 2020|website=awakefestival.ro}}</ref>
* Neversea Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=https://neversea.com/|title=NEVERSEA Festival|website=neversea.com}}</ref>
* [[Golden Stag Festival]] - [[Brașov]] - muzică ușoară
*[[Artmania Festival]] - [[Sibiu]] - Transylvanian Music and Arts Festival - mainly rock music<ref>{{cite web|author=ACCES 2 ZILE LA FESTIVAL |url=http://www.artmaniafestival.ro/ |title=Cumpara online bilete Festivalul ARTmania |publisher=Artmaniafestival.ro |access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
*[[Peninsula Festival]] - [[Târgu Mureș]] - rock, metal, pop, electro
*Transilvania International Guitar Festival - [[Cluj-Napoca]]
*[[Steaua de Cristal]] - [[Gura Humorului]] - International Festival of Pop Music for Children and Youth "Crystal Star"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steauadecristal.ro/en/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520100049/http://www.steauadecristal.ro/en/|archive-date=2012-05-20|title=International Pop Music Festival for Children and Youth|date=May 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Clayson|first=Nancy|title=International Pop Music Festival Crystal Star begins online registration!|url=http://www.bellenews.com/2012/03/17/arts-culture/international-pop-music-festival-crystal-star-begins-online-registration/|access-date=9 June 2012|newspaper=Belle News|date=17 March 2012}}</ref>
*The International ''George Enescu'' Festival
*Terra Siculorum International Classical Guitar Festival (each year at middle of April)<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://harmoniacordis.org/index.php|title=Harmonia Cordis »|website=harmoniacordis.org}}</ref>
*Harmonia Cordis International Classical Guitar Festival (each year at ending of August or at beginning of September)<ref name="auto"/>
*[[ABC Festival]] - [[Arad, Romania|Arad]] - electro
*[[Sunwaves Festival]] - [[Mamaia]]

==See also==
* [[List of music released by Romanian artists that has charted in major music markets]]
* [[List of Romanian musicians]]
* [[List of Romanian singers]]
* [[Kontra]]
* [[Opera in Romania]]
* [[Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest]]
* [[Stroh violin|Vioara cu goarnă]]

==Bibliography==
*Broughton, Simon. "Taraf Traditions". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), ''World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East'', pp 237–247. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. {{ISBN|1-85828-636-0}}
* Pascu, George & Boţocan, Melania. "Carte de istorie a muzicii", Muzica contemporană, pp 547–625. Vasiliana '98 Publishing, 2011.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Romania topics}}
{{Music of Southeastern Europe}}
{{Music of Europe}}
{{Balkan music}}

{{commons category|Music of Romania}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Music Of Romania}}
[[Category:Music of Romania| ]]
[[Category:Music of Europe by country]]