Sound recordings and Karel Štrekelj: The initiator of a new approach to folk song research in Slovenia

Abstract

The Slovenian philologist and folk song researcher Karel Štrekelj (1859-1812) was one of the first researchers in Slovenia to recognise the importance and usefulness of a new sound recording method. Based on a detailed study of archival documents and relevant literature, in this article I examine Štrekelj’s contribution to folk music research using a new technical device and introducing a new method of sound documentation to field research. By placing his plans and efforts in a broader context of folk song research, one concludes that Štrekelj was more ambitious and forward-thinking than many other researchers at the time.

Keywords

• phonograph
• sound recordings
• karel štrekelj
• documenting folk music
• field research