The concept of 'Volkston' (popular style) was defined in 1785 by composer Johann Abraham Peter Schulz as music that appears 'unsought, artless, and known', making an impression on the ear that returns incessantly.
Cultural Impact
Max Reger's 'Mariä Wiegenlied', originally rejected from the 'Im Volkston' competition, later became a massive commercial success and achieved the status of a widely known 'folksong'.
Compositional Technique
The songs on this album generally feature major keys, with the piano typically providing an accompanying role, often playing 'colla parte' (with the singing part).
Composer's Artistic Vision
The initiators of the 'Im Volkston' project, including Joseph Joachim, Carl Krebs, and Engelbert Humperdinck, aimed to strengthen domestic music-making, which they believed was threatened by popular hit songs and an 'overgrown concert life'.
Composition History
The songs on this album were commissioned for a special issue of the Berlin-based magazine Die Woche in 1903, as part of a competition to find 'modern folksongs'.
Recording & Production
This album features almost all the songs from the first issue of the 'Im Volkston' collection, which were specifically commissioned from composers, with one exception.
You might also enjoy...
Finnish Vocal Music
The Obbligato Clarinet
Sentimental Me
Brahms: Complete Duets & Quartets
Kathleen Ferrier Vol. 8 - Blow the Wind Southerly
Brahms Edition: Vocal Ensembles
Songs by 20th Century American Composers
Song Cycles
You Did Not Want For Joy
Various: Canciones españolas
Walton: Anon in Love / Facade Settings / A Song for the Lord (English Song, Vol. 1)
