TZIGANI
It has been said that all one needs to get drunk is a glass of water and a Gypsy fiddler.
These musicians has collaborated for the first time in 1999
performing hugely successful shows at venues such as the Melbourne Concert
Hall and Chapel Off Chapel.
Repertoire includes traditional as well as original gypsy tunes and world
folk music from Middle East, South America, Armenia, Greece, Russia, Romania,
Hungary, as well as other Eastern European countries.
Igor Oskolkov - violin
Alex Begelfor - cello
Vitaly Barishnikov- piano
Yuri Mougerman - balalaika
Geremy Alsop - bass
Download our music
sample - live recording from Melbourne Concert Hall, 2000
/265KB/
If you ask any person from Europe whether they know what 'TZIGANI' means, they will tell you its something to do with gypsies. Those who don't know the word, are intrigued by its sense of cheekiness and effervescence, often associating it with Eastern Europe.
Actually, the word TZIGANI, means gypsies. These are a nomadic Caucasian race, of Hindu origin. In the 14th century they settled in the Balkan peninsula. During the next century they spread over Germany, Italy and France, arriving in England about 1500. A long period of persecution followed including accusations of cannibalism and child stealing.
The gypsies have been known as entertainers in every country they have travelled. In Eastern Europe, they are skilled acrobats, bear and horse trainers, musicians, dancers and singers. They have owned and operated travelling carnivals and circuses. They have been prized by royalty as court musicians for their mastery of musical styles.
Gypsies have contributed their own unique styles to middle eastern music, Jewish klezmer, jazz as well as flamenco music and dance. They have influenced artists such as Liszt, Bizet, Brahms, Dvorák, Verdi, Rachmaninov and Bartok. Many well-known modern entertainers have claimed Gypsy ancestry, including: the comedian, Charlie Chaplin; the actress, Rita Hayworth; the actor, Michael Caine; . and the film director Bob Hoskins.
Yet, Gypsy music has been disappearing with alarming speed: Rarely will you see a Gypsy violinist, strolling amongst the tables of fine restaurants laden with grand history. These musicians are fast becoming a thing of the past, victims of changing tastes, lost somewhere. Or are they?
TZIGANI
love a gypsy