Wilamowice, a small town in southern Poland, is unique in many respects. Settled in the 12th century by Germanic settlers, it maintained its cultural distinctiveness for centuries. The residents spoke their own language, Wymysorys, wore distinctive clothing, and practiced unique customs. Their commercial skills led to prosperity, enriching the town's culture. However, the 20th century brought turmoil due to war and post-war events, causing the Wilamovian culture to decline. Currently, local activists and researchers are working to revitalize the Vilamovian language and traditional attire, a topic explored in various studies. Yet, the musical culture of Wilamowice has remained largely unexamined. This book aims to address that gap. Through ethnographic and archival research, the author reconstructs the forgotten soundscape of Wilamowice and examines how music functions in contemporary life, contributing to the community's sense of heritage and identity. It also seeks to define what constitutes "Vilamovian" music. An appendix includes original texts of Vilamovian songs in Wymysorys along with Polish translations, highlighting the importance of music in this unique cultural landscape.
