Polonaise Voyage

At the end of the 1500s, the innovation of “couples dance” was introduced somewhere in Central Europe. Until then, dancing had primarily been done in groups, but now the opportunity arose to dance exclusively in pairs.

It became immensely popular, and small archaic melody motifs began to spread across Europe. They had names like Polski Tantz, Serra, Polones, etc.

A melody could, in the mid-1600s, be written down in a manuscript from Slovakia and fifty years later, it appeared in a slightly more elaborate form in Germany, then Denmark, and finally, at the end of the 1700s, it was written down in a Swedish “spelmansbok” (fiddler’s book).

In most cases, it can be assumed that the music has been more or less passed on by ear, and even today, these tunes continue to evolve within the folk music genre.

Isn’t it fascinating to follow the journey and metamorphosis of these melody motifs over the nearly 400 years that the voyage has been ongoing?

Through this musical project, we, VÄSEN plus Walther & Treyz, create an innovative sound world that celebrates the shared heritage and creative potential hidden in our musical roots. The result is a reminder that the power of music can truly unite people and cultures, regardless of age or geographical location.

Track List

1. Pollonesse in A Major
2. An interesting old polska
3. Ach bittrer Winter – Winterwalzer
4. Svenonius – Dahlgren
5. Schwäbisch Set
6. Ich bin ein freier Bauersknecht – Lasse i Lyby
7. Byttebyttpolskan
8. Next Generation Polonaise – Füllgraf No. 44
9. Dahlhoff Menuett
10. Wenn alle Brünnlein fließen – Steklåt efter Menlösen
11. Voyage
12. Dufva – Dahlhoff