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| Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Wolgemut. Please feel free to contact us if you don’t find the answer (or the question) here. | ||
 Michael Wolgemut
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Q.What does "Wolgemut"
mean / where does it come from? A."Wolgemut" is an ancient germanic word which simply means "to be in a good mood". Micha came across the name while looking for illustrations of old instruments. One of the drawings was done by "M Wolgemut" who turned out to be a famous artist (and teacher of Albrect Dürer) of the 15th century. |
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| Q. What kind of
bagpipes/instruments do you use? A.1. Wolgemut music is broken up into two groups based on historical models of loud and soft groups of the middle ages. For the "loud" band, Wolgemut uses one of a kind replicas of medieval and renaissance "German" bagpipes. The illustrations used for reference are mostly of German origin (hence the name "German" bagpipes) but the modern reproductions incorporate information and technical ideas from all over Europe. It is a little known fact that most European countries have a rich tradition of playing some form of bagpipe. On Wolgemut recordings and during live performances you may hear a variety of bagpipes such as different forms of regional french bagpipes (cornamuse), swedish bagpipes (säckpipa) Wolgemut also uses for the loud band a shawm with a wind cap (known in German as a "Rauschpfeife") and a big drum (aka a "tapan", "tupon" or "davul" depending on which culture you’re referring to). The medieval bagpipes and shawms are made by Steffen Fischer. |
 Medieval Bagpipe from Gotland, Sweden |
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 Early Keyed Fiddle from Gotland, Sweden. |
A.2. The "quiet" band consist of a medieval fiddle (vielle), an ancient Swedish keyed fiddle (moraharpa), recorders and flutes of various sizes, various kinds and sizes of bagpipes (flemish pipes, swedish pipes, hummelchen, etc.), hurdy-gurdy, plus a variety of percussion instruments. On occasion they add harp, mandora, jaw harp, and on very special occasions Wolgemut can be heard singing. | |
| Q. Are the instruments
difficult to play? A. Yes. |
 Don't try this at home! |
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 The hymn to St. John, the origins of do-re mi... |
Q.
Where does the music come from? A. The notation comes from a variety of sources; 12th c. Latin songs of the Goliards, 13th c. Spanish "cantigas", 14th c. Italian court dances, German "minnelied", 16th c. French dances and rollicking English country dances of the 17th c. are just a few examples. Micha does constant research looking for new and interesting historical pieces that are suitable for the instruments. He also uses some traditional material from various European countries. The final selections are arranged by Micha to take full advantage of the range and dynamics of the instruments available. "Historic World Music" is the phrase Micha uses to describe the Wolgemut sound. |
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Where does the group come from? A. Originally from Berlin, Germany, Wolgemut has expanded to into an international troupe featuring members from Europe and the United States. |
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 Drum and Bagpipe from the Codex Manesse |
Q.
About your costumes...What style are they and who makes them?
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| Q. What's in
the future for Wolgemut? A. Wolgemut is an ongoing, organic project: it grows and changes over time. New performers and guest artist add new ideas but the mission stays the same: Quality music performed in an entertaining way with the goal of making people "Wolgemut" i.e. "in a good mood". |
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Q.
How can I contact Wolgemut? |
All
pages, content, text, design and images © 2007 by Michael H.
Gartner
"Wolgemut" ™ and "Historically Inspired Entertainment" ™ 1997-2007 by
Michael H. Gartner