Simion Bogdan I Lautarii De Matase - Doua Cantece Lautareti -

In the heart of Bucharest’s bustling modern life, a sound echoes from a forgotten era—the rhythmic strumming of the cobza and the soulful wail of the violin. At the center of this revival is , a musician and researcher who has dedicated his life to restoring "lăutăria" (traditional fiddler music) to its former glory. Alongside his ensemble, Lăutarii de Mătase , he doesn't just perform music; he resurrects the "tears and joy" of Romanian identity. The Last of the Cobzari

The raw, oral traditions of the Romanian countryside.

Restoring the Soul of the Past: Simion Bogdan & Lăutarii de Mătase Simion Bogdan i Lautarii de Matase - Doua cantece lautareti

The sophisticated, often heartbreaking music of the city's professional fiddlers.

Bogdan Simion is often described as one of Romania’s last true cobzari . His journey began at age 15, learning the secrets of the cobza from old masters like Constantin Gaciu. Today, he holds a PhD in literature and uses his erudition to curate music that spans three distinct worlds: In the heart of Bucharest’s bustling modern life,

While Bogdan Simion’s albums like Valahia în Demol and Drum pavat cu bolovani have broken sales records, his live performances of "Două cântece lăutărești" (Two Fiddler Songs) showcase the range of this tradition. Often featuring iconic pieces like and "Mă iubeam pe-un strat de ceapă" , these songs bridge the gap between profound sorrow and biting humor.

: A song collected from Suceava that highlights the witty, storytelling side of the lăutar tradition. Why This Music Matters Now The Last of the Cobzari The raw, oral

The band’s name, "Lăutarii de Mătase" (The Silk Fiddlers), reflects the refinement they bring to traditional sounds. The ensemble features a lineup of virtuosos: (țambal/hammered dulcimer) Mandi Pană (violin) Cornel Neacșu (accordion) Robert Adam-Szoltan (double bass) Cristi Adam (viola-braci)