Schrammelmusik
Schrammelmusik is a style of Viennese folk music that originated in the late 19th century, but remains actively performed today throughout Austria. This folk music style is named for the creative composers and brothers Josef and Johann Schrammel.
Schrammelmusik can be traced in 1878 when violinist brothers from the northwestern Austria, Josef and Johann Schrammel decided to form an ensemble with famous guitarist Anton Strohmayer, who joined the brothers on a double-necked contra-guitar. The group’s music, which is inspired by urban and rustic traditions, included folk songs and marches as well as dance music, targeting audience at wine taverns and inns throughout Vienna. The trio’s first name was “Nussdorfer” after the Nussdorf Village, where they frequently performed.
In 1884, Georg Danzer, who played the clarinet, joined the group and enjoyed musical success under the name “Schrammel Brothers Specialities Quartet”. During this time, the group was invited to play in mansions, palaces and other areas where the Viennese elite patronized. The quartet’s music was so influential that early folk music styles were called as “Schrammelmusik” as well.
In seven years, the quartet composed over 200 songs. In 1893, Johann Schrammel died at age 43. Two years later, his brother Josef died with the same age as his brother.
Today, the legacy of the Schrammel brothers continues through its Schrammelmusik style. This style, which is influenced by Slavic folk music, consists of two violins, a G clarinet and a double-necked contra-guitar. Sometimes, a button accordion, which is popularly called the Schrammelharmonika, is included in the group. Many composers have been a Schrammelmusik enthusiast, with big names such as Johannes Brahms, Johan Strauss and Arnold Schonberg.
