The Swiss Choral Tradition – Classical Choral Music (MH 51/1984)
This edition traces the development of the Swiss choral tradition in the classical field.
From the Gregorian chant to music in its most modern forms. Some 80,000 lay choral singers are currently active throughout Switzerland in more than 1,500 societies, embracing the entire classical repertoire in every style and concept.
Musical content
1. Notker Balbulus: Sancti spiritus assit nobis gratia (excerpt)
Schola Cantorum of the Monastery of Einsiedeln; Father Roman Bannwart, conductor
2. Ludwig Senfl: Ave rosa sine spinis (excerpt)
Choir of the Italian-Swiss Radio; Edwin Löhrer, conductor
3. Hans Rudolf Manuel: Frisch fröhlich wend wir singen
“Luzerner Singer” – Lucerne Singers; Hansruedi Willisegger, conductor
4. Isaac Hirzel / Hans Georg Nägeli: Freut euch des Lebens
Jakob Kobelt Chamber Choir; Jakob Kobelt, conductor
5. Johann Heinrich Tobler: Ode an Gott
Combined Male Choirs of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden; Paul Forster and Helmuth Fischer, conductor
6. Friedrich Hegar: Morgen im Walde
Zurich Male Choir; Jakob Kobelt, conductor
7. A. Jenni: Frühlingskantate (excerpt)
Chamber Choir and Ensemble of Radio Berne; Walter Furrer, conductor
8. Constantin Regamey: L’alerte from Poems by Jean Tardieu
Choir of the French-Swiss Radio; André Charlet, conductor
Production information
Musica Helvetica MH 51. The Swiss Choral Tradition. Classical Choral Music. Produced 1984 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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