The German Instruments of Oktoberfest Music
Posted on September 24, 2019
We’re excited to be able to have talented musicians at our Oktoberfest celebration each year playing traditional German music for all of our attendees! Take a look at some of the classic instruments used in German music that is played at Oktoberfest events around the country:
Accordion
This instrument was invented in 1822 by Friedrich Buschmann. It is a portable wind instrument that is composed of two reed organs that are connected to folding bellows. There is a keyboard located on the right-hand side of the instrument and buttons on the left-hand side. These buttons do not make sounds but instead let air in and out of the instrument.
Bagpipes
This wind instrument is composed of a bag, usually made from animal skin, and a series of pipes. The musician plays this instrument by continually blowing into the pipes and squeezing the bag to alter the sound.
Mandolin
This relatively small, stringed instrument is part of the lute family. Its shape is often referred to as a ‘teardrop’. A musician can play it by resting the instrument comfortably anywhere on their torso that allows them to reach every note comfortably with their right hand. In the right hand, the musician uses a pick to strum the instrument while the left hand is placed on the neck. A combination of picking and changing hand placement on the neck of the instrument produces its distinct sound.
Zither
Unlike the others mentioned on this list, the term “zither” refers to a family of instruments. A Zither instrument is any whose strings are as long as its soundboard. These instruments are played with the fingers or a pick. They come in many forms but the most popular zither instrument in German music is played by placing it on a table and strumming with only the hands.
Come out on October 5th and 6th to Danele Shipley Memorial Arena in Westminster, MD to join in on all of the exciting Oktoberfest and German-themed festivities we’ve got for you!
Tickets can be purchased online here or in-person at the event.
Categories: 2019
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