The exhibition’s background music is provided by three songs that were popular in interwar Lwów: a satirical ballad, a lively tango, and a military march. The melodies are performed on instruments typical for street musicians (the accordion and fiddle). The lyrics include elements typical of the Lwów dialect. The full lyrics are available in the folders containing the texts accompanying the exhibition, on the Museum’s website, and at the reception of the Museum on the banks of the Vistula.

Ballada o pannie Franciszce
The Ballad of Miss Franciszka

The ballad’s sentimental melody contrasts with its satirical lyrics. The voices of two male and two female singers tell the stories of a series of protagonists. By changing the tone, they underline the dramatic nature of the song. Sung to a lively tune, the moral of the story turns the tragic tale into a joke.

Tango łyczakowskie
Łyczaków Tango

The lively melody is a call to dance. The lead instrument is an accordion. The rhythm is underscored by the singers who end each verse with a shout. The song combines two rhythms. The quick one encourages jumps and stamps. The slower one evokes fluid, ambling movements.

Marsz lwowskich dzieci |
The March of Lwów Children

The marching tune has a military resonance. It starts off quietly, with women and men singing to a drumbeat. In subsequent verses, the drums are joined by brass instruments as the song increasingly resembles a ceremonial march. Although it tells the story of soldiers leaving for the front, the song is jolly, so singing it should bring comfort and give courage.