Deitsch - Traditional Folk Music, Made in Germany

Published: 23 August 2023
on channel: Library of Congress

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Deitsch plays traditional songs and dance tunes from Germany, some of them 250 years old. For years, German folk music was neglected and nearly forgotten, or derided as old-fashioned and conservative. But now, arranged and interpreted in the style of modern folk music from Germany's European neighbors, it emerges timeless and contemporary at the same time. Geographically, Germany is situated between Scandinavia and the Alpine countries, between France, England, Ireland and Poland, and this is true also for the band sound of Deitsch: it has common elements with the music of all these neighbors, but it stays distinct and unique as well. This music may seem anachronistic in a globalizing world, the members of Deitsch say, but it can contribute to creating cultural identity and celebrating diversity and common bonds with others.

Gudrun Walther (voice, violin, viola, diatonic accordion) and Jürgen Treyz (guitar, mandolin, mandola, voice) had built up years of experience with award-winning bands and projects before founding Deitsch as a duo in the mid 2000s. Their duo recordings won many awards, including the German Record Critics' Quarterly Prize in 2009. They have since added Barbara Hintermeier (violin, viola, voice) and Steffen Gabriel (flute, bagpipes, voice) to the lineup. All four are master musicians. Walther is also an accomplished singer, bringing old songs to life in a clear, memorable voice, and the other members complement her singing with four-part harmonies.

The band has consciously avoided electronic instruments and studio effects such as looping, to keep the sound consistently acoustic. Nevertheless, they imbue traditional folk music with contemporary arrangements that catapult it into the 21st century.

For transcript and more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-10941

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