Cultural Influences
When people think of German Folk Music, a lot of the time they think of yodeling. Although yodeling is definitely a part of German Folk Music it is only found mainly in parts of southern Germany like Boveria. (German Folk Music) The school teachers, choir masters, and ministers all took part in determining what sounded good. (Traditional Music in Germany)
German Folk Music has come a long way. In the early 20th century their became a fear of losing Germany's traditional music in part due to the Industrial Revolution. This lead to the growing popularity of Bavarian Folk Music. It's composition focused on safeguarding and using humorous songs in duet and ensemble.(German Folk Music) It is actually from Germany we found our famous carols, rhymes, and ditties. For example, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Silent Night are all originally German songs. (German Music Has Legendary Icons). |
Political InfluencesIn 1968, following the American and British Musical Revolution and the student revolution in West Germany, German folk artists began writing songs protesting their government. The upper middle class youth preformed swing dances that offended the Nazi German's that was later taken over to be used as Nazi propaganda. The swing dances were offensive because the Nazi Germans believed these dances to not be traditionally German and to be American or said to be an African dance. (German Folk Music)
Later, folk music was then completely taken over by the Nazi movement. The Nazi took over everything that was thought to be "pure and German". Songs were written in praise of Germanic race. (Traditional Music in Germany) They used these songs and dance to try and motivate individuals to join the ranks of the Nazi Germans. (German Folk Music) |
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Religious InfluencesMuch of the population in Germany follow the Christian religion. They are split between Lutheran Protestantism, Calvinism, and Roman Catholic. (Religion in Germany) The Christian Religion has had a strong influence on German music. Actually, some of the Western traditions of Christmas come from Germany and Austria. (Religion in Germany) For example, Silent Night, which is popular American Christmas song actually originated in Austria in 1818. (Holidays and Celebrations)
Although the Christian religion is the most predominant in Germany, there are still some other religions that can be found in Germany. These other minority religions include Islam and Jewish. Islam is still a considerably new religion to Germany. It goes back to post World War Two immigration. They have spread themselves into a decentralized organization. This is why the Christian religion still accounts for about 65% to 70% of the German population religion. (Religion In Germany) |
Outside Influences
Polka is a style of music that can most definitely be found in Germany. In fact many people when they first think of German Folk Music they think of polka. Polka actually originated in the Czech Republic, or the Bohemia, and spread rapidly through Eastern Europe in the 1800's. This style of music is very lively and energetic. (Polka) It became extremely popular among the Europeans and each region adapted the polka and made it their own. The polka united many communities and is still very popular. (Polka)
Another Influences that has affected Germany's music is the use of the Alphorn that was first developed in Switzerland. They were first used to signal and communicate with other farmers in Switzerland across the valleys. They can be heard up to 6 kilometers away. (Alphorns History) Being that Switzerland and the Czech Republic border Germany, it is only inevitable that they share and adapt different variations of music and instruments. The Alphorn which was once used for communication is now seen all over Germany and Switzerland as a musical instrument played in festivals and concerts. (Alphorns History) |
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