Lot ist Tod – Old German Song ‘Lot ist Tod’ (Lot is Dead) is an old German folksong – popular as both a ditty style song and as an accordion dance tune amongst the pioneer German settlers. This version, collected from Marburg, is sung by Meta Neuendorff and played on […]
Accordion
Low German Song – sung and played by Archie Niethe, Coominya
This low German song was a popular ‘wedding toast’ song found in the Lockyer Valley and Maryborough areas amongst the German communities. This example is spoken then sung and played on the squeezebox. No mentions of this song in German archives. Perhaps it is a good example of a unique […]
Doug Steffen’s mazurka
This beautiful old-time mazurka was played by Doug Steffens of Gatton. Doug and his brother Allan played for many of the earlier dances in the Lockyer Valley. I have only heard and recorded this very pretty mazurka tune once – that you hear from Doug. Played on the double-row Hohner […]
Old German Waltz played by Percy Spann
Percy Spann played two and a half row button accordion. Percy was a farmer from Rosevale near Boonah together with his wife on piano they played many old regional dance tunes and many old German favourites. Press Play for song preview.
Old Lockyer Valley Schottese
This well known Lockyer Valley schottese tune was a favourite amongst many accordion players. This version is after the playing of Alf Staatz of Glenore Grove – Laidley, Queensland. Accordion played by Mark Schuster. Press Play for song preview.
The Master Player – Alf Radunz
The Master Player – Alf Radunz Alf Radunz (1910-1996) was arguably the greatest button accordian player in Queensland. Fifteen out of his sixteen brothers and sisters could play an instrument- the other could only play the gramophone! Alf grew up in the Coolabunia district, just outside Kingaroy, in southeast Queensland. […]
Button Accordion Styles
Button Accordian Styles of the Vienna system button accordian (C, G, C-F, G-C, A-D, G-C-F etc) After many years closely observing many traditional diatonic button accordion players throughout eastern Australia and parts of South Australia, with a particular emphasis on southern Queensland it was possible to reach some conclusions based […]
‘Vindjammers’ – the button accordion or Squeezebox in German-Queensland Culture!
‘Vindjammers’ – the button accordion or Squeezebox in German-Queensland Culture! Unknown squeezebox player with accompanying violin player. Photograph from the Lockyer Valley. And of course when it comes to German settlers and their unique and traditional music we cannot forget the old ‘Vindjammer’, or button accordion (squeezebox). Nearly […]
Waltz Of Vienna
This popular old dance tune is a real favourite in the German-derived farming communities in southern Queensland – it could be termed a real classic. The Waltz of Vienna is a stately dance and the tune is lovely and flowing. Here played on button accordion by Mark Schuster with accompanying […]
