In the 18th century, thousands of German-speaking peoples established major German settlements in Russia along the Volga River. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many migrated again, this time to North and South America. Throughout their travels, these Germans maintained their traditional religious music, their lullabies and folk songs, their vocal and instrumental music alike.
MUSIC CATEGORIES
Music played an important role in many aspects Volga German life. There was a wide range of musical types from folk and wedding music to religious hymns sung in the churches. Explore the music of the Volga Germans.
Erbes, J., Sinner, Peter, & Eisfeld, Alfred. (2009). Volkslieder und Kinderreime aus den Wolgakolonien gesammelt und mit einem Anhang von Rätseln zum 150 jährigen Jubiläum der Wolgakolonien. Hildesheim: Olms.
Schünemann, G. (1923). Das Lied der deutschen Kolonisten in Russland. München: Drei Masken Verlag.
Bryan Pinkall's Doctoral Recital - The Volga Germans (YouTube)
A Soulful Sound: Music of the Germans From Russia (YouTube)
Music of the Volga Germans (Kevin Rupp)