In memory of Walter Deutsch: A life for folk music

In memory of Walter Deutsch: A life for folk music

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the respected folk music researcher Prof. Walter Deutsch died in Vienna at the age of 101. Walter Deutsch, born on April 29, 1923 in Bolzano, was an influential figure in the Austrian folk music scene and had a long-standing connection to the ORF regional studio in Lower Austria. In his programs, especially the popular series “AufhOHRchen”, he passionately presented the diversity and tradition of folk music in Austria. By the time he retired in January 2015, he had moderated a total of 117 programs under the title “Folk Music Treasures,” reports ORF NÖ.

Pioneer of folk music research

As the founder of the Institute for Folk Music Research and Ethnomusicology at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Deutsch made a significant contribution to the research and preservation of cultural heritage. He headed the institute from 1965 to 1993 and was president of the Austrian Folk Song Society from 1992 to 1999. Alexander Hofer, regional director of ORF Lower Austria, praised Deutsch as one of the most distinguished connoisseurs of folk music who has left a lasting influence through his numerous publications and compositions. “He contributed a lot to carrying on this important cultural asset and conveying the traditions of our country,” said Hofer.

The importance of Walter Deutsch can be seen not only in his academic work, but also in his commitment to public relations in the field of folk music. His broadcasts on ORF television and on Radio Lower Austria made folk music accessible and popular to a wide audience. His life's work will be honored in a special broadcast “AufhOHRchen Spezial in memoriam Walter Deutsch” on January 14, 2025 at 8:04 p.m., as ORF NÖ reports. His death leaves a void in the Austrian music scene, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of many people and through the recordings of his broadcasts.