Deitsch breathes new life into traditional German folk songs and dance tunes, some dating back 250 years. For decades, German folk music languished in obscurity, dismissed as outdated or overly conservative. However, by incorporating elements from contemporary European folk traditions, Deitsch presents a fresh yet timeless interpretation that highlights Germany’s cultural connections with neighboring countries like France, Ireland, and Poland while maintaining a distinct identity.
Founded in the mid-2000s by Gudrun Walther and Jürgen Treyz, Deitsch brings together seasoned musicians with a shared commitment to acoustic authenticity. Walther, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (violin, viola, accordion), and Treyz, a guitarist and mandolin player, have garnered accolades including the German Record Critics’ Quarterly Prize. They expanded their lineup to include Barbara Hintermeier (violin, viola, vocals) and Steffen Gabriel (flute, bagpipes, vocals).
The ensemble eschews electronic instruments and studio effects, prioritizing an acoustic purity that honors their material’s historical roots. Their arrangements, however, are modern and vibrant, bridging the past with the present. This conscious mix underscores the enduring relevance of traditional music in a globalized world, fostering cultural identity while celebrating shared heritage.
The Members of Deitsch
- Gudrun Walther: An accomplished vocalist and fiddler, Walther grew up immersed in Irish, German, and French folk traditions. She has performed with orchestras, collaborated on cross-genre projects, and contributed original compositions that have been covered internationally. In 2016, she joined the renowned Irish band Téada as a guest artist.
- Barbara Hintermeier: Raised in Bavaria, Hintermeier grew up performing traditional music with her family. Her refined violin and viola skills, paired with her harmony vocals, enhance Deitsch’s rich sound.
- Steffen Gabriel: A master flutist and bagpipe player, Gabriel also crafts wooden flutes in his workshop. His deep connection to Irish and German folk music adds authenticity and texture to the band’s repertoire.
- Jürgen Treyz: A guitarist, producer, and arranger with over 80 albums to his name, Treyz is a cornerstone of Germany’s traditional music scene. He co-founded the Artes recording studio and collaborates with prominent artists across Europe and the U.S.
Discography:
Königskinder (Artes Records, 2005)
Live In Rudolstadt 2009 (Heideck, 2009)
Heimat (Artes Records, 2009)
Mittsommer-Sessions (Artes Records, 2019)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.