AYF Quintet in Concert: American Folk

By Timothy Brewer (AYF 18-19)

AYF experienced quite a musical group of students from a variety of musical backgrounds in 2019. Not only did the Black Forest Badgers thrive with new guitarists, bassists, singers, ukulele players, and incredibly talented soloists, but AYF also had the honor of its own string quintet; two violins, viola, cello, and double bass. Daniel Kroth, a performance student from Michigan State University and the quintet’s bassist, was fortunately able to bring his own double bass with him to Freiburg all the way from home. Not only did this mean entrusting the airline cargo with his beloved instrument, it also meant standing in the train for two hours from Frankfurt to Freiburg.

The rest of the quintet managed either to bring their instruments from home or to rent an instrument locally. The quintet was established shortly after the start of the 18-19 program year, and what was meant to be a fun monthly hobby quickly turned into a professional concert experience. The quintet often used the student space in the AYF office to meet and rehearse in preparation for the concert. Although each member of the group had a uniquely busy schedule during the week, the quintet was still able to find rehearsal time to prepare for the concert and rehearse with the vocalist.

On June 24th, the quintet performed at the Haus zur Lieben Hand in Freiburg along with mezzo soprano Franziska Gündert and pianist Herbert Schiffels. The concert exhibited themes of American folk music as well as works by German composers whose works or lives drew connections to the American folk influence. With this in mind, the concert’s theme was: American Folk Music – Ein Transantlantisches Erbe. The program offered an enticing mix of vocal and string pieces, as well as arrangements written for voice and quintet by quintet member Daniel Kroth. Among Daniel’s arrangments performed during the concert were “Summertime” by George Gershwin, “Edelweiß” from The Sound of Music as well as the Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach and the “Ashokan Farewell” from Four American Folksongs.

At the Haus zur Lieben Hand, some of the other AYF students and alumni volunteered with setting up the venue and serving drinks and snacks afterwards. Many alumni and friends were able to attend, and AYF was able to raise funds for the venue and for the program, of which all proceeds were collected as donations after the concert. A wide range of positive feedback was offered by professors, colleagues, other students, alumni, and friends of alumni in response to the performance.

For a video of the “Ashokan Farewell”, please visit our YouTube channel.