The Singing Zither

The Singing Zither

The Singing Zither
Christmas & Old Time Hymns
Willie Dittrich
Jim Loyd Presents (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

From the back cover: The Singing Zither belongs to Willie Dittrich of the Amana Colonies in Iowa. Delighting visitors and tourists with his Singing Zither is one of the things Willie does best. Whether it be as a regular performer in an Amana musical production or local function, or as a special guest on one of Eastern Iowa's local television programs, Willie Dittrich and his Singing Zither are always in demand.

A life long resident of the Amana Colonies, Willie continues a family tradition with his playing of the zither. Willie's dad and grandad were both accomplished zither players. Willie thinks his grandad probably brought his zither with him from Germany, but that's a long time ago and family records aren't too clear on that particular point.

In the early Days of the Amana Colonies in Iowa, almost all of the musical instruments were string instruments. Pianos were very scarce and organs were not to come until much later. Violins, mandolins and guitars were the most popular.

When Willie was eight years old, his zither lessons began. Every Sunday morning after church, Willie took zither lessons from his uncles and his dad. Willie was quick to learn and in a very short time was joining his uncles and dad in producing a traditional type of music that is still heard and enjoyed today in Amana.

Willie's musical talents aren't limited to the zither. The only thing he can't play is the violin. But the zither is his favorite. In his personal collection of zithers, among the nine he owns are the Prime, Elegy, and a Concert zither. His favorite is one built by the Franz Swartzer Company of Washington, Missouri. The Swartzer Company won many awards for their zithers, including the Gold Seal Award for the World's Finest Zither in 1862. The is the zither used in both Singing Zither albums.

With his wife Helen and his daughter, Caroline, Willie makes his home in Homestead, Iowa one of the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies in Iowa.

Amana folks are a music loving people. This is quickly noticed no matter what the occasion for people to gather together. The best example is the annual Octoberfest. Their folk dancing, singing, and musical accompaniment rings with happiness and complete dedication of full participation with voice and instrument. Into this life comes Willie Dittrich. And with Willie Dittrich comes the Singing Zither. – Jim Loyd

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

How Great Thou Art

Jesus Loves Me

Harre meine Seele

Weist du, wie viel Sternlein stehen?

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Jingle Bells/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Alle Jahre Wider/O Tannenbaum/Ihr Kinderlein Kommet

Silver Bells

Suser die Glocken nie klingen

Away In A Manger/O Little Town of Bethlehem

Stille Nacht