Appenzell music

The musical tradition of Appenzell takes on many different forms . Music for strings played in its original setting (two violins, dulcimer, cello and double bass) is particularly important; an accordion and a piano are also present in some musical ensembles.

Appezöllerstöckli (pieces of music from Appenzell) are also played by various brass bands (6–13 musicians), which is referred to as stegräfle.

At the Sennenball (a folk music ball with dancing where participants wear traditional alpine costumes), on the Striichmusigtag (a day for string music) or at the Alpstobete (a similar folk music event in summer where traditional songs are sung in bars and restaurants), the music lover has the opportunity to become acquainted with the inimitable full sound of string music and to find out what the famous musical tradition in Appenzell is all about. Along with their own compositions, every proficient string band will usually play several well-known songs from years gone by. As well as performing music for dances, these musical ensembles often also perform concert music.

The second aspect that is equally important in Appenzell music concerns the vowel sounds. In addition to yodelling songs and Ratzliedli (humorous songs and songs to tease people), choral ensembles also sing pieces without words as a form of yodelling. This practice is known as Rugguusseli in the canton of Innerrhoden and Zäuerli in the canton of Ausserrhoden. An important variation of this tradition is also the Chlausezäuerli, which refers to a tradition in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden where yodelling songs are performed by groups of 6–8 men on 13 January, formerly the date when New Year’s Eve was celebrated in this region.

We must also not forget all the other aspects related to Appenzell music, from the alpine horn, the Betruf (a sequence of musical notes sung as a traditional evening call to prayer) through to the Schölleschötte (musical chords formed using cowbells) and Talerschwingen (the practice of several musicians spinning a coin on the inside of a bowl to create a musical tone to form chords in a group). There are folk dancing groups for children and adults, and the playing of the chord zither has recently also seen a resurgence in popularity.

Further information: www.zentrum-appenzellermusik.ch