Folksongs of Our Forefathers

The Germans from Russia Heritage Collection is pleased to provide this important songbook compiled and edited by the late Dr. Joseph S. Height. The author dedicates the book "to the German-Russian folksingers whose cherished songs delights the hearts of young and old."

In the Foreword, Joseph Height writes: "As a distinctive part of our German-Russian cultural heritage, we must no doubt regard the folk songs which our forefathers originally brought with them to the steppes of southern Russia... Most of these songs were eventfully brought to the plains of the Dakotas and Saskatchewan by our immigrant grandfathers. May this anthology of folk songs evoke happy memories of our pioneer ancestors and provide many hours of enjoyment and inspiration for the young at heart."

The book includes the section of Traditional Lieder in Russia: spiritual; ballads and romances; love and marriage; drinking songs; farewell and separation; convivial songs; and man and nature. The section of Songs Adopted in America includes: in lighter vein; sentiment and yearning, homeland; field and forest; whimsical songs; modern humorous songs; and drinking songs. There is an index of initial words of songs.