Zigeunerlied (1932)

Zigeunerlied (Gypsy Song) stands as one of the few commercial triumphs of Julius Bürger’s compositional career, a work that continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt spirit and rich folkloric charm. Originally composed for the renowned Jewish Austro-Hungarian/Romanian tenor Joseph Schmidt, it was recorded in early 1930 with conductor Lajos Kiss and his vibrant Gypsy-style orchestra for the Ultraphon/Telefunken label.

Recognizing the enduring appeal of this music — and drawing on his gift for arrangement — Bürger later transformed Zigeunerlied into two further versions: a stirring piece for violin and piano, and an even more expansive version for violin and orchestra. Though an early 1930s attempt to promote the violin and piano version through the BBC faltered due to its technical demands, both reimagined versions were triumphantly revived in the 1990s, bringing new life to this masterful work. Rooted in the rich Austro-Hungarian folk tradition, and with a special emphasis on Roma musical idioms, Zigeunerlied reflects Bürger’s deep affinity for the sounds of Eastern Europe — a theme woven throughout his orchestral and chamber music. Originating during his formative years in Vienna and Berlin (1915–1933), this love of folkloric styles infuses the piece with passion and authenticity. The Zigeunerlied for Violin and Piano received its long-overdue premiere on May 1, 1991, at a chamber concert presented by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation in New York City. The version for violin and orchestra (1938) followed soon after, performed by violinist Sergiu Schwartz with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s under Paul Lustig Dunkel at Alice Tully Hall on June 3, 1991. Vivid, lyrical, and deeply evocative, Zigeunerlied remains one of Bürger’s most treasured and expressive works — a brilliant showcase of his ability to bridge cultures and musical traditions.

About the Exilarte Edition
G. Schirmer/Wise Music’s Exilarte Edition exclusively publishes works by composers who were persecuted, forced into exile, or murdered by the Nazi regime. All original manuscripts of these works are archived in the Exilarte Center at the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Austria.