Great Names in Swiss Folk Music – Father Joseph Bovet (MH 20/1974)
A portrait of the late Abbé Bovet, a song writing priest from Fribourg who became one of Switzerland's most popular song composers.
In addition to sacred music, Bovet wrote many popular songs which have become an integral part of French-Swiss folk music. His work as a composer, conductor, choirmaster, teacher and organist earned him the highest honours both at home and abroad. In 1950 Abbé Bovet was named “Knight of the Legion of Honour”, one of france’s highest distinctions. He died a year later at Clarens on Lake Geneva.
Musical content
1. Mixed Choir Mon Pays, Fribourg: La fanfare du printemps
(J. Bovet)
2. Maîtrise Paroissiale de St. Pierre aux Liens, Bulle: Le vieux chalet
(J. Bovet)
André Corboz, conductor
3. Instrumental Ensemble: Dzaotiè dè Courtion
(J. Bovet)
Mario Robbiani, conductor
4. Les Armaillis de la Gruyère: L’armailli des grands monts
(J. Bovet)
André Corboz, conductor
5. La Chanson de Fribourg: Nouthra Dona di Maortsè
(J. Bovet)
Abbé Pierre Kaelin, conductor; Charles Jauquier, Tenor
6. Maîtrise de St-Nicolas, Fribourg: Les petits chevriers
(J. Bovet)
Abbé Joseph Bovet, conductor
7. Echo Romand de Berne: Liauba
(J. Bovet)
François Pantillon, conductor
8. Mon Pays mixed Choir, Fribourg: Le vieux Léman
(J. Bovet)
Michel Corpataux, conductor
Production information
Musica Helvetica MH 20. Great Names in Swiss Folk Music. Father Joseph Bovet. Produced 1974 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.
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