D-Tanz for
2 Violins & Cello or Violin, Viola & Cello
Johann
Schrammel (1850-1893), along with his brother Josef and Anton Strohmayer,
created an ensemble and a type of music that was every bit as Viennese as that of
the Strauss Family. In 1878, Schrammel, an orchestral violinist, his brother Josef, a Vienna folk music specialist, and the virtuoso
guitarist Anton Strohmayer formed a trio. In 1884, the clarinetist Georg Dänzer joined
their group and they became known as the Schrammel Quartet. (see left) Both brothers
and Strohmayer wrote numerous works--waltzes, marches, polkas and galopps--for
this combination. Their wonderful works, which were based on the folk
melodies of old Vienna, became known as "Schrammelmusik". In the
German-speaking world and throughout much of Europe, their music achieved
the kind of fame which had been accorded the Strauss waltzes. In Vienna,
their music was held in the highest regard by the likes of Brahms and Johann
Strauss, Jr., both of whom could always be found in the audience, along with
many other famous musicians, whenever the Schrammel Quartet gave a public
concert. It is fair to say that Schrammelmusik is even
more Viennese than the music of the Strausses. Schrammel ensembles--i.e.,
two violins, a clarinet and the 13 string bass guitar--could regularly be
found playing at Heurigens, the wine bars, found on the outskirts of Vienna,
so typical of that city and no place else. There, the Viennese drank the new
wine at long tables and linked arms singing old Viennese folk melodies to
forget the troubles of their daily lives.
The D-Tanz
dates from before Georg Dänzer joined the Schrammels and Strohmayer, hence
it is for 2 violins and guitar. It takes its name from old Viennese
folkdances known as Diese Tanz, or This Dance which was a very specific
Viennese type of dance. The D-Tanz is a series of waltzes that hark back to
a time when this type of folk dance was popular. Though nearly all of the Schrammels'
compositions were written for two violins, clarinet and bass guitar, the
tremendous popularity of their music quickly led to arrangements for
virtually every kind of small ensemble as well as the piano. While our soundbite is of the original combination, keep in mind
that our version is for a string trio of 2 violins and cello or violin,
viola and cello, combinations which no
doubt was often heard in the cafes of Vienna.
All Four Parts:
$12.95
