Swiss Folk Varia – Unusual folk rhythm and sounds (MH 41/1980)

swissmusic

Some of the most unusual folk rhythms and sounds from Switzerland are heard in this edition.

They are produced on instruments both simple and sophisticated: from sticks, spoons, cowbells, and jew’s harp to traditional string instruments, the mighty Alphorn and including the splendour of the human voice.

Musical content

1. Ebnat-Kappel Folk Group: Vater’s Polka – Father’s Polka
(Trad.)
Primitive instruments such as the Toggenburg Halszither, comb and tissue paper, washboard, triangle, drinking glasses, pan covers, broomstick, bottle and spoon, tin kettle and egg whisk and mouth organ
2. Rigi Hundsbuech Musig: Jew’s harp (the instrument’s range)
3. Rigi Hundsbuech Musig: Broomstick
4. Rigi Hundsbuech Musig: Foot stamping and mouth organ
5. Rigi Hundsbuech Musig: Ivy leaf
6. Rigi Hundsbuech Musig: Unde dure, obe dure – Above and below, Ländler
(Trad.)
7. Willy Schmid Family Band: Löffler Schottisch – Spoons with band
(R. Schmid)
8. Anton Bruhin: Jew’s harp (Improvisation)
Anton Bruhin, jew’s harp
9. Wildkirchli Yodel Choir, Appenzell: Schölleschötte (Natural yodel with cowbells)
(Trad.)
10. Schötze Choir, Stein: Talerschwinge – Natural yodel with rotating coins
(Trad.)
11. Fässler Alphorn Trio with Appenzell string bands: Senneschtimmig – Cowherd’s Joy (Alphorn Trio with Appenzell string bands)
(U. Alder)

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 41. Swiss Folk Varia. Unusual folk rhythm and sounds. Produced for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.