Tyrolean folk music has a rich history. Suffice it to mention the world-famous “yodel,” which is still used by many modern performers.
The Tyrol Musical Folklore Archive was founded in 1905, as soon as it became possible to make audio recordings. Before that, songs were preserved only in written form or passed down orally, which is more typical of folk music.
At present, the Tyrol Museum of Musical Folklore has one of the largest collections in Europe of materials devoted to music and dance. More than 70 thousand exhibits are gathered here: audio recordings on compact discs and other media, an extensive selection of sheet music and texts, and a large library, since poetry is closely connected with music. Many recordings were collected over decades with the help of enthusiasts searching in different regions of Tyrol for rare examples of folk art.
Meticulously organized catalogs make it easy to quickly find the song you need. That is why musicians, composers, arrangers, as well as scholars engaged in the study of folklore, often come here. The museum actively promotes traditional culture among the population. Classes in playing folk instruments, dance lessons, seminars, and concerts are held here.
