Schrammelmusik (German pronunciation:[ˈʃʁaməlmuˌzik]) is a style ofViennese folk music originating in the late nineteenth century and still performed inAustria. The style is named for the prolific folk composers Johann and Josef Schrammel.
In 1878, the brothersJohann Schrammel (1850–1893) andJosef Schrammel (1852-1895), musicians, violinists and composers fromVienna,Austria, formed an ensemble with guitaristAnton Strohmayer, son of the celebrated composerAlois Strohmayer. The Schrammel brothers played two violins, accompanied by Strohmayer on a double-neckedcontraguitar. Inspired by both urbane and rustic traditions, the three musicians performed folk songs, marches, and dance music, most often for audiences at wine taverns (Heurigen) and inns around Vienna. At first the trio called themselves the "Nussdorfers" after the village ofNussdorf where they often performed.
In 1884 clarinetistGeorg Dänzer joined the group, which soon enjoyed phenomenal success under the name "Schrammel Brothers Specialities Quartet" (Specialitäten Quartett Gebrüder Schrammel). The ensemble was invited to perform in palaces and mansions as "Schrammel euphoria" gripped the Viennese elite. So great was the Schrammel brothers' popularity that some earlier folk music forms, such as theWienerlied dialect song, came to be known asSchrammelmusik as well. The Schrammels' popularity eventually extended throughout Europe and in 1893 they were invited to perform at theWorld's Columbian Exposition inChicago.
The Schrammels composed more than 200 songs and music pieces in just seven years. Johann Schrammel died in 1893, followed two years later by Josef. Each brother was 43 years old at his death, and both died ofnephritis.
A typicalSchrammelmusik ensemble consists of two violins orfiddles, a double-neckedcontraguitar, and aG clarinet (also known in Austria as apicksüßes Hölzl). Often a buttonaccordion, called aSchrammelharmonika, is included.
Performers strive for a melancholy, "crying", but melodious sound. The style is influenced by folk music from Austria,Hungary,Slovenia,Moravia andBavaria.
Several of Vienna's composers of formal music have also been Schrammelmusik enthusiasts, includingJohann Strauss,Johannes Brahms, andArnold Schönberg.
Modern performers of Schrammelmusik includeExtremschrammeln, Edi Reiser, Karl Hodina, Roland Neuwirth, Wiener Thalia Quartett, Malat Schrammeln, Alfons Bauer, Rudi Knabl,Anton Karas, andPeter Havlicek.
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