Moravian Traditional Music

Moravian traditional music represents a part of the European musical culture connected with the regions around the western Carpathian Mountains. Many styles of Moravian traditional music exist, varying by location and function, but much of it is characterized by a specific melodic and harmonic texture related to the Eastern European musical world. According to Czech musicologist Jiří Plocek, Moravia is the area where the European East musically meets the West.

Moravian folk bands are mainly centered around a string section and a large cimbalom, which are often complemented by other instruments. Moravian traditional music influenced many Czech classical composers' work, especially Leoš Janáček, who was at the forefront of the Moravian folklore movement. Towards the end of the 20th century, Moravian folk music had a noticeable influence on the Czech jazz scene, and folk songs have been adapted into rock bands' repretoires. Today, there are many festivals still held throughout Moravia with performances from traditional bands and dance ensembles.