Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-10-15
GipSieS of Hungary.

GipSieS Of Hungary.
The gi,anos of ClausenBurg, the capital
of Pennsylvania, are numerous, and chiefly
dwell, with droves Of dogs as wild as
themselves, in a savage outskirt. Both
live in hollows OF the rocks, in the low
huts just described, and look like the dem
izens of the Cour des Miracles of Paris,
or the Alsatia of London. Butthe gltanos
Of Clausenburg have an aristocracy, who
reside at the other end of the town, oc-
cupying two hundred houses near the
ramparls. These are chiefly musicians.
They form very clever bands, and go a
bout the country playing on the communist
principle. On their return, an equal dl-
vision is made, and the share of one man
is often from elOO TO 4200 English
These gtanos elect vayvode every two
years.
Dancing and music are the favorite de-
lights of the gitanos. " Maitre Mott,
says Gerando, introduced me one day
TO two Bohemian girls. The tallest and
oldest had thick lips, fiery eyes, ard an
African face. She wore dark robe;
dark shawl with flowers was wrapped
round her, and along black handkerchief
shaded her face. The other wore hus-
sar's Jacket Of black velvet, spotted pei
ticoat, and little boots. Her hair, black
as jet, was partly concealed by a ganze
veil, and framing the face. brought out
the whiteness of her skin. She had the
melancholy beauty of most of the women
of her race not degraded by misery. As
soon as Mott had preluded, they began to
dance. Their gestures and Steps were
olow. They held each others hands; +;
they parted, walking one towards the
other, holding out their arms, and making
their wells wave, then joining again TO ex-
ccule some expressive movements. Mot
put down his instrument, and they ac-
companied their dance themselves, singing
to slow time tune Of great soltness and
melancholy, which expressed alternately
tenderness and repentance the ringing
voice of the one or the grave notes OF the
ether being uppermost, according 10 the
sense of the words"
The gitanos are quick and clever when
they chose TO exert themselves: but ii is
chiefly in music they excel. Guided
only by their ears" says Schwartner,
:. and little practice, they attain quick
ness and vigor of execution which the
best masters fail TO gain. They are Sc
lected in preference for table music, Ies-
tivties, marriages, and other occasions
when people give way to gaIety." They
rarely know note Of music, but their
musical genius makes up for their ignor-
ance, and none but the gi psies can play
we'll the Hungarian national songs. Hun
garian music is full Of depth and passion.
Full, solemn, and sometimes sad, il re-
qures calm and ardent performers, who
can allow the national vlvacity 10 CLEAN
through even the most melancholy pas
sages. The vivacity bursts forth i'll rapid
and animated flights, which awake en-
,husiasm, and show of iii high relief the
bold, brilliant, and hardy Hungarian char
acter. The genius Of the gilanor makes
them play and sing these airs with incOm'
parable success, not only correctly in
themselves, but with variations mprOvised
on the spot. OF course this refers 10 the
very best artists; but if YOU put violin
into the hands OF a child, he will soon
play as we'll as his father. Thus in every
village the gipsies are the minstrels, and
take the lead OH every festive occasion.
Besides, they alone preserve the vast
number Of unwrtten airs which are the
music Of the land. When travellers stop
at an inn they are sure TO come under the
window and play and Ole Of them at
Bethlen attained of late years great celeb
riy, especially for the sedilious air of
" Rakolzi." They one day took it into
their hea,s TO play il under the windows
of the arrhduke Ferdinand d'Este, when
sent 10 watch the Transylvanians after
violent dissolution Of their parliament.
The archduke drove them away.
Impudence and cunning are the here
dilary qualities of glpslcs, but the lmpu'
dence of musical giPsies is but trait Of
character which they share with many
other artists in the same line. Perhaps
they are proud of their genius, and pre-
sumo on it; but they are on occasions
strangely familiar with the proud lords of
Hungary. One day tatlered gypsy.
with violin under his arm, entered sa-
loon where sat in CONVERSATION twO gen.
tIemen, he being totally unannouhced-
He asked cooly il concert would be
agreeable, and was answered in the mega
tive. "Anoiher times" said the gipsy.
and walked off. A cleser Sioilmst Of the
tribe once played before muslrai lord /;
and when he had concluded, and had been
loudly aPPlauded for his e1q"isiis skill,