Between individuality and loyalty: The case of Romani musicians
Between individuality and loyalty: The case of Romani musicians

Summary/Abstract: This paper argues that music can be considered to be one of the most important components in the construction of Romani identity, formed in the case of Romani musicians at the intersection of their individuality – as virtuosi, composers, etc. – and their group loyalty. Historical sources attest to the fact that Romani musicians have always tried to embrace their ethnicity while making sense of their musicality, often resorting to music making as their primary occupation. That suspension between ethnic identity and musical individuality affected the choice of the repertoire they propagated, and had a footprint on their self-presentation, influencing heavily their public image and, ultimately, their reception by non-Romani audiences. Panna Cinka (1711–1772), not only a leader of a Romani musical band but also a successful female violinist and a composer, is discussed in this paper as a prime example of such an archetypal Romani musician.

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