Swiss Folk Instruments – Stringed Instruments (Zither and Hackbrett) (MH 55/1976)

swissmusic

Swiss folk music still embrace the zither, a latter-day descendant of the ancient psaltry and the hackbrett, a smaller sized cousin of the cymbalon of the Hungarian gypsies.

The hackbrett was mentioned officially for the first time in a Zurich document dating from the mid-15th century. Both instruments exist in different regional varieties, and their making and playing are skills which have been handed down from generation to generation.

Musical content

1. Paul Moser: ‘s Munotglöggli – Little Bell Of The Munot Castle
(F. Buomberger)
Paul Moser, “Hexenscheit”
2. Fritz Ineichen (Spiez, Canton Berne): Luzerner Tanzlied – Lucerne Polka
(Trad.)
Fritz Ineichen, violin harp
3. Margrit Ulrich and Marie Gwerder (Muotathal, Canton Schwyz): Muotathaler Tanz – Muotathal Dance
(Trad.)
Margrit Ulrich and Marie Gwerder, “Schwyzer Zithers”
4. Julia Vollmar (Wil, Canton St. Gall): Vaters Jödeliwalzer – Father’s Yodel Waltz
(Trad.)
Julia Vollmar, “Glarner Zither”
5. Ida Bleiker (Ebnat-Kappel, Canton St. Gall): Vaters Polka – Father’s Polka
(Trad.)
Ida Bleiker, “Toggenburger Halszither”
6. “Toggenburger Halszither” group (Ebnat-Kappel, Canton St. Gall): Chrüzeggler Naturjodel – Natural Yodel
(Trad.)
With mixed choir
7. “Bürkli Family Halszither Quartet” (Kriens, Canton Lucerne): Mys Gygali – My Little Violin
(Trad., arr. S. Bürkli)
The “Bürkli Family Halszither Quartet” comprises three “Krienser Halszithers”, bass and lute
8. H. Rechsteiner (Trogen, Canton Appenzell-Ausserrhoden): Überliefertes Zäuerli – Improvised Appenzell Yodel
(Trad.)
H. Rechsteiner: hackbrett
9. “Bänziger String Group” (Herisau, Canton Appenzell-Ausserrhoden): Wälserli – Little Waltz
(A. Düsel.)
The “Bänziger String Group” comprises two violins, hackbrett, cello and bass
10. A. Walpen (Grengiols, Canton Valais): Mazurka
(A. Walpen)
A. Walpen, hackbrett
11. E. and M. Volken (Brigerberg, Canton Valais): Dr Walpeni-Marsch – Walpen March
(J. Walpen)
E. and M. Volken, hackbrett
12. “Folkmusic Group Obergoms” (Obergoms, Canton Valais): ‘s Heimfahri – Riding Home
(Trad.)
The “Folkmusic Group Obergoms” comprises hackbrett, clarinet, accordion and bass

Production information

Musica Helvetica 55. Swiss Folk Instruments. Stringed Instruments (Zither and Hackbrett). Produced 1976 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.