Dance in the Park: Erdőfű

Erdőfű [Forest Grass] was founded by a group of dance musicians active in Hungary. Its members are all committed to the authentic performance of the folk music tradition of the Carpathian Basin, both in dance halls and concert venues. The aim of the initiative, which could also be regarded as a music workshop, is to provide a comprehensive illustration of the diversity of stringed folk music in the Hungarian regions and the ethnic groups living in Hungary, with the specific characteristics of the given region or village kept in mind. The ars poetica of the musical association requires both in-depth professional knowledge and specific awareness of the musical traditions of particular regions, so it is important that all the members of Erdőfű have sufficient experience in and understanding of instrumental folk music. Their performances provide an opportunity for their audience to experience the unique sound of Carpathian Basin folk music in terms of its various instrumental arrangements and specific styles of playing.