German band sways Kerala with historic European folk music
Recently, Kochi was witness to a rare feat. The Playfords, a band that works with German folk tunes and dances, mesmerised the Kerala audience with several old tunes that transport one to a bygone era. With the music that made a population stand up and dance, church hyms from forgotten times, all mixed with modern elements and interpretations, The Playfords opened up a new world in front of Malayalis. The performance was even more special as they collaborated with veena artist Arunitha Mohan.
The Playfords is now on an India tour arranged by the Goethe Institut. With Björn Werner on vocals, Annegret Fischer (Anna) on recorders, Claudia Mende on baroque violin, Benjamin Dreßler on viola da gamba, Nora Thiele playing percussion, and Erik Warkenthin on baroque guitar, lute, and chitarrone, the ensemble is travelling with their peppy, dance tunes.
