MennoLink Books and Music

This album represents a sampling of folk and hymn tunes Amish enjoy on the harmonica. They probably were first learned in school from non-Amish teachers before Amish established their own schools in the 1950's. Tunes on this recording have slight variations, a legacy from the persecution of the past centuries.

The harmonica is played by a young wife and mother. She played these songs as a teenager when she was "running around" with the young people at singings. The harmonica is the same one she used as a teenager, with no half steps. She now lives in a more liberal community where recording is permitted if done anonymously.

Copyright 2001.