This is what it's all about.
Exactly 200 years ago, a very special instrument was born in Vienna: the Arpeggione – a hybrid of guitar and cello, invented by Johann Georg Staufer. Its sound was gentle, singing, and unusual. Only one notable work was ever written for it: Franz Schubert’s now world-famous Arpeggione Sonata.
In the arpeggione.200 project, we are bringing the arpeggione back and placing it in a new, authentically Viennese context: with two other historical Viennese instruments – the Kontragitarre and the Schrammelharmonica.
Together, they allow Schubert’s sonata, selected songs, and dances to shine in a new sound – historically informed, emotional, and vibrant.
«With deepest joy, I hear your refreshing playing, you three witty companions – so, yes, only so, I heard it in my heart! Were I still granted to be among the living, I would have gladly contributed my share to your noble undertaking.» (Franz Schubert ;) )
🎶 What have we already accomplished?
🎙️ The CD is already completely recorded! We played, arranged, and produced it in a professional studio with great attention to detail.
Participating: Peter Hudler – Arpeggione Andreas Teufel – Schrammelharmonika Daniel Fuchsberger – Kontragitarre & String Zither
Production Director: Alexander Grün (Studio tonal)
Now we need your support to release the project!
Help us ensure that this album full of charm, depth, and musical discovery – recorded with great attention to detail, sensitivity, and passion – sees the light of day!
Our project is special because ...
Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata will be heard for the first time in this authentic Viennese trio version.
We are making a nearly forgotten instrument audible again – in dialogue with two other Viennese treasures. The string zither, another tonal ode to the Biedermeier period, is added.
The project combines folk music, classical chamber music, and historical performance practice in a new, vibrant way.
It is a musical homage to Schubert, to Vienna, and to a fascinating piece of cultural history!
Schubert & Folk Music – A Musical Circle of Friends:
Franz Schubert was deeply embedded in the musical life of Vienna. He enjoyed a lifelong connection to folk music – not only as inspiration, but also through close personal contacts.
His circle of friends included not only poets like Franz von Schober and musicians like Anselm Hüttenbrenner, but also enthusiastic amateur musicians with a folk music background, such as the lawyer and folk song collector Josef von Spaun and Ignaz Sonnleithner, who promoted Schubert’s songs and championed the preservation of Austrian folk music. Many of Schubert’s compositions—especially his dances, strophic songs, and piano pieces, and not least the Arpeggione Sonata—embody the spirit of this closeness to the people.
With our project arpeggione.200, we embrace this spirit and allow Schubert’s music to resonate in a new, historically and folk-musically inspired soundscape.
This is what I need backing for.
The music has been recorded – now we need your support to release it.
We’ve already professionally recorded the music in the studio – the artistic part is complete. All we need is your help for the final step:
Mixing & mastering of the recordings Pressing & production of the CD Design of a booklet with background information & photos Publishing, shipping & promotion
With your support, we can realize this extraordinary project as the instruments and the music deserve: high-quality, loving, and professional.
🧡 This project is a declaration of love for Viennese sound history – beyond clichés, with depth and lightness at the same time.
🎶 With your help, the arpeggione – this almost forgotten, beautiful instrument – will finally get the stage it deserves.
🤝 Support us – as a music lover, cultural supporter, or simply as someone who appreciates extraordinary music.
arpeggione.200 – a musical monument to Schubert, Vienna and the musical legacy of an instrument that lives (again).