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The Cassubians are the most distinct ethnic group in Pomerania. They are distinguished from other groups by their sense of regional identity and the the wealth of their folk traditions. Slavonic Cassubian tribes once inhabited the whole territory of Pomerania, from the mouth of the Oder to the estuary of the Vistula, but they never achieved independent statehood. The Polish kingdom competed with the German Empire, with varying success, for control over these tribes. The courts of local princes, the nobility and townspeople underwent gradual Germanisation. The Slavonic element, driven out of the western areas by degrees, has survived in eastern Pomerania. The village communities which cultivated their local traditions, have remained the mainstay of Cassubian culture. The Cassubian language has also survived despite many centuries of foreign domination.
After World War II quite a few Cassubian folk dance ensembles arose although none were able to achieve the fame of a Mazowsze or Slask. This CD presents their music performed by many of these folk ensembles as well as by many soloists.
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