How to make music work, how to arouse emotions

Abstract

This chapter proposes some more general thoughts on the professional activity of the Roma musicians of Ceuaş. First, the following question is addressed: How do the professional relationships that form the context of musicians’ work affect their mental representation and organization of the musical repertoire? It is claimed that Roma musicians base their approach and organization of music on its potential efficacy. The more the musicians can tailor their music to their customers’ “national,” “regional,” or “personal” preferences, the more effective their action. The chapter then focuses on how musicians arouse bittersweet emotions in their clients. This is achieved through finely calibrated “personal tunes” that bring the past alive with a rush of memories and eventually make customers cry. Finally, it is argued that during the “service” there can be moments when musicians openly express their emotions. Musicians’ emotional involvement can be interpreted either as a form of freedom, depending on the circumstances, or as an extreme form of subordination to their clients.