Fiddler Francisc Vasile Riza, known as Sandorica, aged 57, declared a Living Human Treasure by the Ministry of Culture and long regarded as one of the most sought-after lead fiddlers by numerous folk singers despite never having attended a formal music school, has made a firm commitment to preserving the authenticity of Romanian folklore.

'I come from a family of renowned fiddlers on both my father's and my mother's side. My father, Vasile Riza, was the finest fiddler in the Transylvanian Plain — people say no one played 'Purtata' ('Purtata fetelor,' a Transylvanian traditional dance-song, editor's note), 'Doina,' or 'Romaneste' like him. He sang very well! My mother comes from Soporu de Campie, and the renowned fiddler Sandor from Soporu de Campie was my grandfather, my mother's father. I've been singing since I was born; that's how I grew up, with music in the house. My father taught me, and I also learned from my grandfather in Sopor. They were my teachers — my father and my grandfather. I don't play manele (mixture of 'oriental' Romanian folk and contemporary pop music with bases on Balkan influences, editor's note), although I could — I prefer to play 'Purtata' and 'Jocul romanesc,' even if young people don't favor this music anymore. Authentic music carries subtle messages: 'Purtat' touches the soul, 'Jocul romanesc' conveys joy and identity. We must not let authentic folklore disappear, because if it does, we too will vanish,' Riza told AGERPRES.

Hailing from Valea Larga, Sandorica Riza is a self-taught instrumentalist specializing in the violin. He was awarded the Living Human Treasure title for his contribution to safeguarding and promoting traditional music from Mures County.

Part of a family of 11 siblings, Riza plays traditional dances with passion at the head of his taraf (folk music ensemble). He has also taken on the role of teaching younger generations the secrets of the violin, as listeners often praise his 'flawless violin sound.'

'I started playing at six. At first, I loved the accordion, but since my older brother inherited it, I had no choice but to take up the violin. I fell deeply in love with it. I would wake up at night remembering a melody and working on how to play it properly. Today, I have young students from Frata, Soporu de Campie, and Zau de Campie who want to learn to play the violin and perform traditional folk music. I hope at least a few of them will carry the tradition forward,' he said.

Asked what captivates audiences when he performs with his ensemble, Riza believes the answer lies in genuine folklore, without any blending or fusion.

'People may also like the way I play, but what they love most is that I play authentic music. Nowadays, there's all kinds of blends, but nothing is more beautiful than pure Romanian folklore, with its distinct character. I had the chance to collect authentic folk music, I had my father and grandfather as models. So I know how to play 'Purtata,' 'Doina,' and 'Jocul romanesc.'

Although his two sons now live in Germany and gave up performing, Riza is delighted that the family tradition is not lost: his grandchildren are enrolled in music school there. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dorina Matis; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)