Schrammelmusik

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Schrammelmusik (ˈʃʁaml.muˌzik) is a style of Viennese folk music originating in the late nineteenth century and still performed in present-day Austria. The style is named for the prolific folk composers Johann and Josef Schrammel.

[edit] Schrammel Brothers

In 1878 Johann and Josef Schrammel, violinist brothers from northwestern Austria, formed an ensemble with guitarist Anton Strohmayer, who accompanied the two violins on a double-necked contraguitar. 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 "Nussdorfer" after the village of Nussdorf where they often performed.

In 1884 clarinetist Georg 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 the Wienerlied dialect song, came to be known as Schrammelmusik as well.

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.

[edit] Style

A typical Schrammelmusik ensemble consists of two violins or fiddles, a double-necked contraguitar, and a G clarinet (also known in Austria as a picksüßes Hölzl). Often a button accordion, called a Schrammelharmonika, is included.

Performers strive for a melancholy, "crying," but melodious sound. The style is influenced by Slavic folk music.

Several of Vienna's composers of formal music have also been Schrammelmusik enthusiasts, including Johann Strauss, Johannes Brahms, and Arnold Schönberg.